Group Observation Of Group Behaviors

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).

In this group there were no disruptive members. I filled the role of an observer, I offered feedback at the end of the session. The counselor filled the role of standard setter. There was an encourager, a harmonizer, an expediter, and a follower.

As I observed the N.A. group, I compared Hepworth 's, Direct Social Work Practice, five stages of group development. The Preaffiliation stage involves observation and feeling out the environment of the group; members may be hesitant to speak or test out certain behaviors to see reactions from other members of the group or the facilitator (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, & Strom-Gottfried, 2017, 2013). Returning group members greeted each other with hugs, handshakes, pat on the back, while newcomers sat quietly observing others. The facilitator provided an introduction and instructions for participation. Each member was instructed to introduce the first name, state "I am an addict" and take turns reading from the

During the initial stage of each group workshop, the cognitive behavior group counselors will encourage their members to participate by contributing ideas on how they would better benefit from each session, but will also share their clear plan for the group and guide the members in achieving set goals. Members will comply with the norms and rules set by the group and not attend any meeting while under the influence of drugs and or alcohol. Member are expected to respect each other and any discussion outside of the meeting room, will be considered a breach of confidentiality, except in occasions where the desire to hurt oneself or others is expressed. Leader will make it clear to all members that they are mandated reporters.

After announcing the group, the selection of group members will be made by interview with the group leader. When a member decides they wish to join the group or is referred, they must meet with the group leader. From here, the client can ask the group leader questions about the procedures, the main purpose of the group, and other concerning questions. This process helps the client get to know the group leader, the goals of the group, and if the client will benefit from this experience. Members who will declined the option to join to group will be members who are hostile, defensive, and aggressive. By offering these members a spot in the therapy could triggers other’s PTSD symptoms. The members who will chose to participate in the group are candidates who show they are willing to change and desire to become a member of the group. The composition of the group is composed of male veterans who are suffering from PTSD

18). Challenge Myths and Misconceptions- about what group is and what occurs. Convey Information- Explain Confidentiality, stages of the group developmental stages that are oriented with groups (David, 1995, p. 21). Explain procedures and obtain informed consent. Screening – using a group selection questionnaire. During the beginning phase of group therapy, issues arise around topics such as orientation, beginners’ anxiety, and the role of the leader. The purpose of the group is articulated, working conditions of the group are established, members are introduced, a positive tone is set for the group, and group work begins (David, 1995, p. 22). This phase may last from 10 minutes to a number of months. In a revolving group, this orientation will happen each time a new member joins the group (David, 1995, p.

in this picture i took a group selfie at work. my manager drew, the man in the orange, is looking at the camera. he is wearing an orange shirt, has his glasses on. has a look on his face as if to say “storm what are you doing?” one of my best friends jasmine is also in this picture. she goes to school with me. she has a smile on her face because i had just cracked a joke. i seem to always make the crew members laugh. she is weariing her mcdonald's visor / hat. has on the mcdonalds uniform and is looking at me all smiles. Erika, the woman in the picture with purple gauges is about 8 months pregnant. she is having a baby boy and she is rubbing her tummy, her son was kicking, her belly was moving in the way his foot was. she seemed to be in alot

Psychoeducational groups might also include information on the available treatments for PTSD” (p. 691). They go on to explain, “Psychoeducational groups are ideal as introductory groups for patients that are first entering a clinic. These groups are structured and require only a handful of sessions (e.g., 4 sessions)” (p.

On September 24, 2016 I had the pleasure of observing a group of individuals in an open, informal group setting sponsored through NAMI of Northern Virginia. The group was organized through Nami, and is called “Peer Recovery Group”. The group ranged in various ages from 18 through mid-50. Normally this group has a group of 6 to 12 members. The group session duration was approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. The group is a peer support group for people diagnosed with mental health diagnosis such as: depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and mild schizophrenia, and cognitive impairments. The members of the group are strictly voluntary, as no group member is court ordered or mandated to attend. Group selection process is not required because the group is open and informal. The Model theory for this group focuses on small talk and surface issues. The peer support group is not considered psychotherapy or lead by a licensed professional. The facilitators in the group are volunteers and have no formal degrees or background in mental health. They are chosen by other, facilitators of Nami then trained by Nami to become group facilitators. The groups are designed to share experiences and to provide support to one another.

While America still wages war on terrorism the effects of these wars are very costly. Many Americans are still coming home with mild or severe cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Also, there are many ways to treat PTSD and groups are highly considered for treatment for PTSD. For example, according, to Sloan, Bovin, & Schnurr (2012) “Group treatments for PTSD are assumed to involve a number of mechanisms that offer benefit beyond those provided by the individual therapy format. First, patients with PTSD are often socially isolated and have difficulty trusting others” (p. 690). They further write, “Group treatment provides a safe environment for patients with PTSD to become more socially connected with others and offers the opportunity

In July, on two consecutive days, I attended two group sessions for two and three year-old children that took place at the libraries in various parts of San Antonio. The library setting of these groups additionally emphasized the importance of early literacy through a series of interactive and entertaining activities. The goal of these sessions was to offer a great variety of educational and entertaining activities to encourage development through play and learning through sensory stimulation, storytelling, and movement.

group rules, all patients and therapists pledged their confidentiality, and the patients checked-in with their names, number of days sober, two feelings, and respond to a check-in question. The student planned the research and evidence based curriculum for all sessions they participated in.  The groups incorporated lecture, discussion, demonstration and experimental learning. The student integrated multiple teaching methods into sessions to maintain attention and meet the needs of patients with various learning styles. The sessions typically incorporated a writing exercise, packets for the patients, as well as small and large group discussions. The patients explored their addiction, co-occurring disorders, and identified maladaptive thinking

Groups talk about goals in different ways, using different words. Some groups have major and minor goals or meta- and micro-goals; others divide goals into mission, purpose or goal, and objectives, while other groups talk about aims and expectations. A group is strengthened to the extent it has clear goals and all members know what their roles are in helping to achieve them (Dimock and Kass, 2008, p.62-63). My placement is currently in the Mental Health field and as mental health workers we have groups that are organized to promote to mental health of all and to support the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.

The communication in the group appears to be inconsistent and does appear to harmful to some of the members. Certain members of the group are communicating verbally, others are communicating nonverbally and their behaviors are sending out intended and possibly unintended messages that is impacting the rest of the group in a negative way. Therefore, members may not feel comfortable talking about feelings, problems, or other issues within the group. In this case study Luisa, appears to be a main factor of why people are shutting down. As there is interference with groups communication based on anger, fear, and uncertainly. She appears to be provoking a response for attention or disapproval to perhaps gain or maintain power within group.

According to Cartwright & Zander (1968), a group may be defined as a “collection of individuals who have relations to one another that make them interdependent to some significant degree”. Other definitions state that a group is “two or more persons who are interacting with one another in such a manner that each person influences and is influenced by each other person (Shaw, 1981). Turner (1987) goes further to say that “a psychological group is one that is psychologically significant for the members, to which they relate themselves subjectively for social comparison and the acquisitions of norms and values…that they privately accept membership in and which influence their attitudes and behaviour”. Clark & Pataki reserve the term “group”