Group counseling strategies and skills chapter 3

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Purpose of Groups

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Chapter 3


Clarity of purpose helps the leader keep
the members on course by suggesting
relevant activities, asking relevant
questions, and cutting off irrelevant
discussions.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Being clear about the purpose of the
group is perhaps the most important
group leadership concept to be learned.

©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Purpose of Groups


To Insure Clarity:
Objectives should be well-defined
The leader should follow the stated
objectives.

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Confusing
Boring
Unproductive

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When the Leader is Unclear About
the Purpose, Groups Can Be…


– Getting members comfortable with the group
– Introducing the content (anger, divorce, school)

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

The leader must assess the potential members’
needs and then decide which kind of group will
be most helpful.
During the first session of any group, the leader
needs to clarify the purpose with the members.
First sessions have two purposes:

©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Determining the Purpose of the
Group

– Can the Group Have More Than One
Purpose?
– Must Each Session Have a Purpose?
– Can the Purpose Change?
– Can There Be No Purpose?
– If the Leader is Clear, Will the Members Be?

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Certain questions arise regarding
the purpose of groups…

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Common Questions About Purpose


Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

Some groups may meet only once…
--a task group in a school setting
--an psychoeducation group on
nutrition
--a job-seeking skill developmental group
For single session groups, clarity of
purpose is even more important.

©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Purpose in Single-Session Groups

Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

An outcome evaluation model objectively
examines reported behavioral changes in
members’
A self-evaluation model asks the leader to
set objectives for a session/group and then
assess outcomes
A members’ evaluation model can be done
periodically and at the final session, giving
the leader on-going and closing feedback

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Evaluating Groups


Copyright © 2012 Brooks/Cole, a division of Cengage Learning, Inc.

There continues to be a need for formal
research to determine effectiveness of
group work
Training in group work needs to be tailored
more to the needs of specific populations
Trainees/students need more supervised
experience to develop both general
leadership skills and expertise in specific
population areas

©2016. Cengage Learning. All rights reserved.

Research and Training in Group
Leadership