Group counseling strategies and skills chapter 12

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

Leading the Middle Stage
of a Group

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Chapter 12


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

The most important stage of a group is the
middle or working stage because this is
when the members should be working,
learning, and deriving maximum benefits
from being in a group.

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The Middle Stage of a Group


The leader needs to always assess how
much to focus on content and how much
on process.

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

The amount of planning that is needed for
middle sessions is based on the purpose,

the members, and their level of trust,
interest, and commitment.

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Planning and Assessment


Remember, one member can very much
hinder the value of a group for other
members.

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

There will be times during the middle
stage of the group that the leader will need
to screen out members. This should be
done carefully and with much thought, but
should be done.

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Screening Out Members


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

There will be times when a member will
breach confidentiality. Each situation has
to be handled delicately.

Sometimes the member should be
removed.
Other times, this situation can serve as a
learning opportunity for everyone.

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Dealing with Breach of
Confidentiality


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

Using Progress Reports
Introducing topics for discussion
Stimulating members’ thoughts
Varying the format
Changing leadership style, if warranted
Changing the structure of the group, if
warranted

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Leadership Skills and Techniques
for the Middle Sessions


Using voice to get members to think
Using outside materials and assignments
Meeting with members individually

Informing members in advance when the
group is ending

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continued

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Leadership Skills and Techniques
for the Middle Sessions


– Introductory exercises
– Deepening rounds, dyads, and
exercises

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

Leaders must think through the topic
– Understand key issues pertaining to a
topic

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Middle-Session Outlines


– Need to constantly shift from information to
discussion

Task Groups
– Help members generate ideas and options
Brainstorming
The fishbowl
Guided fantasy

– Help members move toward resolution

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Education Group

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Middle-Session Leadership Tactics
for Specific Groups


Overleading
Letting the warm-up phase last too long
Remember, the majority of the time during middle
sessions should be spent in the working phase and not
the warm-up phase.
Letting the focus shift too often

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

Underleading

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Common Mistakes During the
Middle Sessions


Focusing too long on one member
Focusing on only one or two members
Planning only one or two activities
Choosing uninteresting speakers (educational
groups)
Failing to allow time to process an activity

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

continued

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Common Mistakes During the
Middle Sessions