Personal Goals For Advancing Knowledge

Research has shown that while the group therapy topic is helpful, the overall group dynamics of how the group runs and the bonding between the members is important (Morgan, Winterowd, & Ferrell, 1999). Another strength of this study is that recruiting the participants will be relatively easy. Inmates at MCI-Norfolk have been asking for group therapy for a long time and I anticipate that they will be excited to finally have the chance to join in on group therapy.

In order to prioritise goals and targets for my own professional development, I look at the influences that have helped me to develop my performance so far and look at what my training has taught me and how it’s reflected in my work. I examine my strengths and weaknesses honestly and try to think about the way I practice in a constructive way. I have to evaluate myself by asking;

Made a Beginning Group (MAB) of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was observed in the efforts to link course readings and class lectures to real life group work. MAB was observed on October 14, 2015, at 6:00 pm. with fourteen people in attendance. The open support group meeting was located at the First Unitarian Church of Orlando on East Robinson Street and was led by one facilitator. MAB and the facilitator showed deviations from the normal group practices discussed in the class of Group Dynamics and Process. However, some familiar therapeutic factors such as Instillation of Hope, Imitative Behavior, Universality, Group Cohesiveness, and Catharsis were evident in the group’s dynamics. The observation techniques included the point of view of an observer, a hypothetical point of view as facilitator, and the observer’s reaction. Together, these observations suggest that even though MAB does not follow standard group procedures; therapeutic and helping factors occur relatively routinely.

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

Overall groups have been a major part of my life from participating in them to facilitating them. While I have been apart of them I never really thought about the fact that I am in them until now, even being in groups in the last few weeks in class I have been more conscious of what I am doing. I have been in groups for children with anxiety, groups that are clubs, and have worked leading support and activity groups as well as groups for children including summer camps, out of school care and daycare. From this course, I hope to develop my skills more in these areas as well as learn skills in a therapeutic facilitator role.

Jacobs, E. E. (2016). Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills, 8th Edition. [Bookshelf Online]. Retrieved from

Furthermore, Group counseling can be very beneficial and therapeutic. It can provide a way for individuals to feel supported, get help working through presenting issues, self-disclose freely and build relationships. It is also import that a counselor is doing research while conducting the group and for information to help the group. This will help to assist counselors who want to ensure they are running a group that is therapeutic and beneficial to the

Accordingly, “the groups provide peer support and pressure to abstain from substance of abuse, reduce the sense of isolation, within the process of recovery and others, teach coping skills, and familiar family life experiences.” Capuzzi and Stauffer (2016) stipulates that group served a number of essential purposes in the treatment and recovery process. More or less of the most noteworthy effectiveness of group therapy include education, therapy and support.

Clients and therapists now have the options between individual and group counseling as methods to help to work through life changes and cope with issues in relationships, addictions, feelings, grief, stress and many others. One method is not better than the other since each person’s circumstance and expectation of therapy is different. Jacobs et al. highlights how a combination of both methods is also beneficial (2012). An effective leader determines if the client will not only benefit from group counseling, but assess the ability to participate in group counseling based upon their personal, mental and emotional state. In addition to having a keen awareness of the individual, the group, protection of each group member and ethical standards, the leader must be aware of their personal issues, boundaries and role as a leader when group therapy is incorporated. Jacobs et al. states “most members expect and want a leader to lead” (2012), so being aware of all aspects and resolving personal issues related to counseling topics improves the dynamic in both methods oppose to hindering it.

Corey et al., (2014) explains the purpose of therapeutic groups, which helps members to increase their knowledge about themselves, while providing clarity for change, and the tools necessary to make and support these changes. Therapeutic groups maintain confidentiality, higher disclosure rates, similarities in concerns and needs, and successfully allows their members to meet individual treatment goals (Toseland & Rivas, 2014). Because group work practice has many facets, it is imperative for workers to familiarize themselves with the variations of groups in practice settings. Furthermore, the writer will differentiate whether the student led group is a task, psychoeducational, counseling, psychotherapy, or brief group.

If members and leaders operate under a contract that clarifies expectations, there is less chance for members to be exploited or damaged by a group experience (Corey et. al., 2011). The contract approach is not the only way to reduce potential risks, nor is it sufficient in itself to do so. One of the most important safeguards is the leader’s training in group process. Group counselors have the major ethical responsibility for preventing needless harm to members (Corey et.

Group counseling sessions help counselors determine the best approach to managing the condition. These sessions are integral to recovery because people going through recovery can see how the drug affected everything around them. Group sessions allow people to grieve and express their emotions, which truly has a positive impact on recovery.

Group counseling is facilitated by a therapist or counselor, accommodating 5 to 15 clients, each attempting to achieve specific goals. Corey (et al., 2010) tells us that counselors facilitate group movement through the use of different technique to engage group participants. Counselors create a safe, judgement free place for participants to interact with each other and the counselor. Members and the counselor provide others in the group support and guidance during discussions. Though opening up in front of strangers may feel intimidating at first, it allows the creation of the support network as well as a sounding board for members to express their thought and feelings (Johnson, 2016).

When I hear someone say group counseling or therapy, I think of people coming together and interacting freely with others, either to find a new or better way to cope with a situation or to learn more about themselves and experiment with new ways of relating to others. It helps members realize that they are not alone and enables group members to both give and receive support. A group therapy setting offers people a safe way to gather various perspectives on issues and concerns with other group members. Some individuals may sense that they are in some way strange due to their problems, feelings, or reluctance to interact with others; however, it is reassuring to come together with others and hear that they have similar problems. Employing new resources allows members to build trust in their own abilities and find ways to get themselves though difficult challenges. Group members can also give and receive feedback to each other by communicating their own thoughts and feelings about what someone says or does.

Stockton (2010) described some adolescent females from Botswana as having "found a voice" after participating in a therapeutic group with peers (p. 328). I believe the patients at the substance use facility benefited from a shared experience with others and they felt less alone in the world. This provided them with courage to express in words their feelings in the presence of others. Yalom and Leszcz (2005) talk about the corrective emotional experience and the recapitulation of the primary family group. The latter is often unconscious and can be made known through interpretations by a skilled therapist. I have seen first hand the power of repetition compulsions and group dynamics. Thankfully, I worked with a very talented group leader who was able to process the content and get positive results. I believe this aspect of group work to very exceptionally helpful and powerful for group members. (and