What Were The Primary Skills Of Student Leading Counseling Groups

Group therapy is a highly effective process that is at least as therapeutic as individualized therapy (Yalom, 2005). It is a powerful tool in psychotherapy, however the implementation of group therapy can determine how effective this process can be for the individuals participating. Some elements that are key in the implementation of a new group are the establishment of rules, norms and ethical guidelines. Included in these guidelines are the group leader’s proper training, knowledge of the subject matter, responsible duel relationships, the therapist own personal growth, confidentiality of the therapist, informing participants of the potential emotional outcome of the group, ethical use of exercises, and making appropriate referrals when needed (Jacobs, 2016).

As individuals, we are diverse based on the background, experience, ability, race, language, etc. which impact the lens through which we view others and ourselves. As diverse individual, we may belong to dominant or non- dominant groups. Thus, either we have power and privilege or we experience discrimination and oppression. Further, we are shelled with diversity, ethnicity, and multiculturalism issues. Counselors have some ethical primary responsibilities to respect the dignity and promote the welfare of the client (A.1.a), “honoring diversity and embracing a multicultural approach in support of the worth, dignity” and “promoting social justice” (Herlihy & Corey, 2014, p. 3)

Jacobs, E. E., Masson, R. L., Harvill, R. L., & Schimmel, C. J. (2012). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (7th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

I learned two significant things about group counseling in this course. The first thing that I learned is the importance of setting up a treatment plan. The intention is to follow the client from their entrance into the program until the client is discharged. In this process the clients’ problems are identified through various assessments and as each problem is addressed, it is checked off of the list. Once all of the problems are checked off of the list, the client is considered as having completed the plan. This plan is especially important because it evokes thoughtful conversation between the client and the counselor and is the best method to gain information from the client regarding the help they want to receive. The second most significant thing that I learned about group counseling is how to design a group from start to finish. From pre group design, planning the goals of the group and determining the members to setting up the environment and structuring the sessions, each step adds its own important components to designing group counseling.

The process of running a group therapy session is a unique time to tests a person’s skills abilities when it comes to facilitating that group. This paper will mainly look at ways when it comes to my learning's of this class that I took ways; I will also show examples and skills to run a good group therapy session. This whole paper is a reflection of the many things that I took was on being an active group counselor facilitator.

Purpose of the group counseling varies from group to group. It can be therapeutic, educational, or helping people to make fundamental changes in their way of thinking, feeling and behaving (Corey, 2004, p. 7). Group counseling/therapy has the advantage of being more effective than individual therapy because, it more closely stimulates social interactions and interpersonal communication patterns than does individual counseling (Kottler, 2004, p. 260). The techniques and strategies use in group counseling are to help resolve members’ interpersonal conflict, promote greater self-awareness and insight, and help them work to eliminate their self-defeating

Dealing with these types of individuals can be very challenging to the leader and if not dealt with effectively, they can undermine the success of the group session. Although they can also happen in individual counseling sessions, the aforementioned challenges are more pronounced in the group therapy sessions because of the higher number of participants who have different personalities and perspectives. Dealing with the issues ethically requires the counselor to set clear expectations and relevant group norms that can help in guiding the behavior of the members (Crespi,

There are several leadership skills that are needed to run an effective and therapeutic group. The primary skills are cutting off; drawing out; and holding, shifting, and deepening the focus (Jacobs, 2016). As the group moves into the middles stage sessions other skills can be beneficial for the leader (Jacobs, 2016). These skills include use of progress reports, introducing topics, inspiring thoughts, changing the format, varying the style of leadership, restructuring the group, varying the tone of voice, utilization of resources and projects, meeting one on one with the members, and communicating with the group prior to the groups ending (Jacobs, 2016). This skill can aid in creating an environment that is both valuable and meaningful

One type of counseling group that would be one of my strengths, is psychoeducational group counseling. At the start of the session, the members are presented with an educational topic that portrays to drug and alcohol with the combination of counseling. An example would be an addiction facility exploring the information and research on relapse prevention. Usually, these types of meetings are conducted at inpatient drug and alcohol interventions and typically have an educational component to their meetings that help the clients learn more about their addiction and ways to stop (Brooks & McHenry, 2015). Why I believe this intervention is one of my strengths is due to enjoying teaching and talking amongst others about the education on abuse and

When services are being rendered in both settings, it is imperative that whomever is rendering the services, is aware of these ethics and follows them accordingly to ensure that the individuals who are engaging in the session, receive the appropriate services and their rights are not infringed upon. The counselor has the responsibility of ensuring that the therapeutic experience is one that is beneficial regardless of the setting(Stewart,2012). Similarities There are numerous similarities that exist between group and individual counseling. Some of the similarities that exists between the two types of counseling includes the role of the counselor. The counselor is responsible for ensuring that all information is kept confidential and that all ethics standards are adhered to when services are rendered.

As I began the Group Process and Dynamics course, I was excited to become educated and experienced with group counseling. Group counseling is a topic I have enjoyed in the past and have continued to be fascinated by. I have learned the elements of a group process through observation and research. The group process consists of several elements that come together when the group begins and ends when the group is terminated. I have observed group norms, group cohesion, the generation of trust, the manifestation of resistance, the emergence of conflict and resolution, healing forces, the reactions of group members, and the various stages a group develops through (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2010). Throughout this course, I was able to derive a conceptualization of groups. From this course I will take with me the understanding of how effective group counseling can be for individuals. Groups have been known to be as effective as individual therapy and a great source of treatment. Group counseling is designed as a part of a treatment plan that helps individuals and guide them through change. Group counseling is a versatile practice, which can be used in several settings and with different populations (Corey et al., 2010). This course has given me the opportunity to reflect on my own personal leadership style, the challenges that may arise, and an action plan to continue my group leadership knowledge and skills.

Describe how your experience of the leading, participating in, or observing groups have informed or influenced you regarding your own group leadership skills, leadership style, and perception about groups;

Group counseling not only allows for members to learn from their therapist, it also allows for them to learn from personal experiences of other members and to gain insights and ideas on the issues they are confronting. Group counseling also helps in improving social skills among the members as they are able to interact freely in and out of the group. This way members can be more confident and open to interactions during the sessions. Group therapy influences growth and change to those involved. Also, it increases their self-awareness and enables them to gain sustenance from each other. Group counseling is also favorable to the therapist as they are able to gain faster and more efficient results for their members by counseling them simultaneously rather than one at a time. Jacobs, Mason, Harvill and Schimmel (2012) describe group counseling

Three indirect skills are attending to, describing, acknowledging, clarifying, confronting, understanding, summarizing and responding empathetically to group member behavior, group themes, and group member statements. These skills are essential in working indirectly with the group because it is working with the group as a whole and not directly with an individual. Three direct skills are, encouraging participation of group members, maintaining group focus, and giving and receiving feedback in a group setting. These are direct skills because the therapist is working to help the group’s members to stay involved and

This article closely examines different ethical, legal, and treatment issues that arise in school group counseling. The author starts by looking at some of the psychological issues that effect school aged children. He also suggest some appropriate topics to offer group counseling on such as a divorce group, a drug and alcohol abuse group, or a physical abuse group. The article goes on to explain several different types of group intervention such as educational guidance groups, counseling groups, and therapy groups. Five different stages of groups; forming stage, storming stage, norming