There is a natural tendency for people to gather in groups for mutually
beneficial purposes. Through groups, individuals accomplish goals and relate
to others in innovative and productive ways (McClure, 1990). People would
not survive, let alone thrive, without involvement in groups. This reliance
and interdependence is seen in all types of groups from those that are primarily
task-oriented to those that are basically therapeutic.
In order to be effective, group leaders must be aware of the power and potency of groups. They must plan ahead and they must be sensitive to the stage of development of the group. Equipped with this knowledge they can utilize appropriate skills to help their groups develop fully (Gladding, 1994). Proper preparation and strategic intervention increase the chance of running a counseling group smoothly and effectively.
OBJECTIVES OF
GROUP COUNSELING
GROUP MEMBERSHIP
Effective group leaders screen potential members before accepting them. Screening allows leaders to select members and members to select leaders and groups. The ideal group size of eight to 12 allows members an opportunity to express themselves without forming into subgroups. In order to help dispel and overcome misconceptions about groups, leaders can utilize pregroup interviews to identify fears related to upcoming groups. Through feedback and explanation, misunderstandings can be immediately clarified and corrected (Childers & Couch, 1989).
RULES IN COUNSELING
GROUPS
TIME AND PLACE
OF GROUPS
GROUP DYNAMICS
The complexity of interaction is magnified by the fact that messages are sent within counseling groups on a verbal as well as a nonverbal level. The nature of this communication is crucial to comprehending what is happening within groups. For example, a member who physically or emotionally distances from a group influences how the group operates as clearly as if he or she makes a statement. As groups develop, members frequently switch roles and patterns of interaction.
The first group stage is "dependency" or forming. At this time, group members are unsure of themselves and look to their leaders or others for direction. This process gives members an opportunity to explore who they are in the group and to begin establishing trust. The second stage in group counseling is "conflict," or storming. It may be overt or covert. The type and amount of conflict that is generated relates to how much jockeying for position goes on in the group.
Stage three focuses on "cohesion," or norming, which can be defined as a spirit of "we-ness." In it, members become closer psychologically and are more relaxed. Everyone feels included in the group and productive sharing begins to occur. In the fourth stage, performing, the main work of the group is begun. Interdependence develops. Group members are able to assume a wide variety of constructive roles and work on personal issues. The level of comfort in the group increases too. This is a prime time of problem solving. It occupies about 50% of a typical group's time. The final stage, adjourning deals with termination. Issues of loss in separating from the group are raised. Celebrating the accomplishment of goals is also a primary focus within this stage.
a) active listening,
where leaders are sensitive to the language, tone, and nonverbal gestures
surrounding members' messages;
b) linking, where
leaders help members recognize their similarities;
c) blocking, where
leaders keep unfocused members from disrupting the group by either redirecting
them or preventing them from monopolizing conversations; and
d) summarizing,
where leaders help members become aware of what has occurred and how the
group and its members have changed.
Empathy, personal warmth, courage, flexibility, inquiry, encouragement, and the ability to confront are vital skills too. Counseling group leaders must wear many hats in helping their groups make progress. The more skills within the counselors' repertoires the more effective they will ultimately become.
Corey, M. S., & Corey, G. (1992). "Groups: Process and practice" (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Gladding, S. T. (1994). "Effective group counseling." Greensboro, NC: ERIC/CASS.
Lewin, K. (1948). "Resolving social conflicts: Selective papers on group dynamics." New York: Harper.
McClure, B. A. (1990). "The group mind: Generative and regressive groups." Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 15, 159-170.
Tuckman, B. W., & Jensen, M. A. (1977). Stages of small group development revisited. "Group and Organizational Studies," 2, 419-427.
Samuel T. Gladding is a Professor of Counselor Education at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.