Week 6 Flashcards by Abby Shiers

5 Principles of Group Dynamics

Members must have strong sense of belonging
Barrier between leaders and members must be broken
The more attractive a group is to its members, the greater influence it would exercise on its members.
Change in one part of the group may stress members, which can only be reduced by eliminating or allowing the change by readjusting the group
The pressures for change is created by creating a shared perception by the members for the need for the change

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(9) Group Membership is affected by:

§ Satisfaction (reward)
§ Problems
§ Influence upon others (social pressure)
§ Each member influencing others (reciprocal or mutual control)
§ Cohesiveness
§ Compatibility
§ Norms and social climate
§ Morale
§ Reference group

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7 Factors Affecting Group Activity

§ Size of the group
§ Threat reduction and degree of intimacy
§ Distributive leadership with focus of control on group activity; more control to group members
§ Goal formation
§ Flexibility
§ Consensus and degree of solidarity
§ Process awareness and continued evaluation

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Define group norms

Spoken or unspoken rules that guide how team members interact, collaborate effectively, and work efficiently.

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3 Functions of Group Norms

Predictive- basis for understanding the behavior of others
Relational- some norms define relationships
Control- regulate the behavior of other

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What does group cohesion create

A sense of belonging
Group attraction

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Group cohesion is based on:

A foundation of trust among members and in the group leader

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What is key in trust building?

Leader preparation

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4 Traits of most effective therapy groups

Closed: not rotating membering
Short-term: set timeline
Homogenous: similar experiences by members
Process-centered: based on therapy and strategies

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4 Benefits of Group Therapy

Provide a natural laboratory; area to practice what they’re learning
Create a sense of community
Offers unique opportunities for new learning
Can move people in creative directions

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4 Benefits of Brief Group Counselling

Cost-effective
Focus on narrow goals
Generally aimed at symptom relief
o Problem-solving strategies
o Interpersonal skills
Realistic

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2 Types of Groups

Structured and Counselling

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Focus of structured groups

Educational

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What is not the focus of structured groups

exploring emotional/interpersonal processes

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Structured groups are designed to deal with

Information deficit

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Structured groups teach _____ for more ______ ________

skills
effective living

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Examples of structured groups

Stress management, substance abuse, anger management, behavioural issues.

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Focus of counselling groups

interpersonal process and problem-solving related to thoughts, feelings, and behavior.

What do counselling groups help members with

resolve problems in living or dealing with developmental concerns.

What do counselling groups emphasize?

discovering inner strengths

Define universality

When groups members are able to see similarity in the human struggles of others with their own struggles.

Define feedback in groups

Group members/leaders sharing with each other personal reactions about one another.

Feedback in groups helps members realize how their ______ affect others

behaviours

Role of group leader in feedback (4)

Create a climate of safety.
Encourage honest feedback
Ensure feedback is given with care and compassion.
Act as role model

Because it is difficult to hear feedback should be ________ and delivered in a __________

well timed non judgmental manner

5 Stages of group

1. pre group 2. initial 3. transition 4. working 5. final

4 Components of pre group stage

* Group theme: what group is about * Proposal: money necessary etc. * Member recruitment: advertisement * Member selection: when interest is shown; identifying those who match and will contribute

Initial stage involves:

orientation and exploration.

In the initial stage members are _______ and bring

Members might be anxious and insecure Expectations and concern

5 Key Components of Initial Stage

o Developing group norms o Exploring fears and expectations. o Identifying personal goals. o Clarifying personal themes members want to explore. o Creating a safe space.

Group Leader Function in Initial stage

- how group works - confidentiality - informed consent - rules/norms - express fears and expectations - develop trust - open and present - degree of structure - members develop concrete personal goals - address issues honestly - teach basic skills (active listening, responding)

In transition stage, members might deal with

anxiety, reluctance, defensiveness, and conflict.

In transition stage, Members need to _____________ in order to move forward.

take risks and avoid holding back

In transition stage, leader must _________ by providing ___________ and also __________ group members.

deal with resistance encouragement challenging

Group Leader Function in Transition Stage

1. teach how to recognize/express anxiety 2. help members recognize defensive reactions 3. safe climate to manage defensiveness 4. role model 5. encourage expression of reactions that pertain to here and now of session

4 Key Components of Working Stage

* Characterized by productiveness. * Mutuality and self-exploration increase. * Focus on behavior change. * Transition and working stage merge.

Group Leader Functions in Working Stage

* Reinforce positive group behaviors. * Look for common themes. * Provide opportunity for constructive feedback. * Model appropriate behavior. * Support members in taking risks and encourage them to practice this in daily life. * Encourage and support homework. * Help members see the importance of putting insight into action.

Activities in the final stage include

terminating, summarizing, integrating, interpreting group experience.

What should be identified in the final stage

what was learned and how it can be applied into daily living.

Focus of final stage

bringing closure to experience

Group leader function of final stage

* Help members: o Deal with feelings of separation. o Address unfinished business. o Review the group experience. o Design action plans. o Identify strategies for coping with relapse. o Build a supportive network. * Provide structure to allow members to clarify meaning of experience. * Recognize grieving as normal part of termination.

in addition to skills utilized in individual counselling, what other skills do leaders need in groups

- Help members create trust - Link group member ideas/identify common themes - Teach members how to give and receive feedback - Block counterproductive work - Role-playing activities - Group termination

When dealing with a challenging group member, what do you focus on?

behavior – not the person.

Tips for successfully dealing with challenging group members

* Do not dismiss members. * Educate members about group process. * Be honest and genuine. * Encourage members to explore their defensiveness. * Challenge members to explore painful/difficult topics in a caring and respectful way. * Face conflict – do not avoid it! * Find balance between support and challenge. * Invite members to share how they feel about problematic behaviours.