Richardson_Week_2_Assignment

docx

School

Lamar University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

5312

Subject

Sociology

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

5

Uploaded by LieutenantDugong4022

Report
1 Week 2 Assignment Week 2 Assignment Jade Richardson Lamar University CNDV 5312 Dr. Robika Mylroie 07/16/2023
2 Week 2 Assignment Steps of Forming a Group There are seven steps that make up the process of forming a group. The first step is to identify a rationale for the group’s existence. Next, the group must decide on a theoretical format. Every theory of group counseling has its pros and cons and it is important to consider these when creating a group. The third step is to weigh practical considerations, in which any logistical issues are considered, such as meeting dates and times and any community issues that could potentially arise. Step 4 is to publicize the group and seek out potential members, and step 5 consists of screening those potential members and training them in what to expect from the group. In step 6, group members are finalized and selected based on their potential to benefit from the group. Finally, step 7 is the selection of a leader for the group based on personal and professional qualities (Gladding, 2016). While each of these steps are integral to forming an effective group, I feel that developing a rationale for the group’s existence is incredibly important. In my personal experiences working with groups in both professional and school settings, I have found that there needs to be a clear, overarching reason for the group to be meeting. When this is not the case, the group can lose structure and become disorganized. Setting and sticking to a stated goal or theme can help the group to be more productive (Harding, 2015). Initial Procedures Starting a group can be nerve wracking for both the group members and the facilitator, but there are several procedures to follow to help alleviate some of this anxiety. One thing that a leader or facilitator can do when starting a group session for the first time is to re-explain and reiterate the goals, rules, and purpose of the group. This ensures everyone is on the same page
3 Week 2 Assignment and the leader knows that everyone has heard the same thing. Another thing the leader can do is formally set the limits and boundaries of the group. These limits can be explicit or implicit, and pertain to how group members will treat each other and the leader. Both of these things can help group members know what to expect in a group session and can help alleviate some of the apprehension that comes with group therapy (Gladding, 2016). Potential Problems There are numerous potential issues that can come up in group counseling situations. These problems can be caused by individual members of the group or by the procedures and structure of the group itself. One example of a problem with a group member would be a member refusing to talk and remaining silent. There are a wide variety of reasons why a person may refuse to verbally participate in a group, but the leader can help encourage them to talk by asking them specific questions and making sure they don’t feel pressured. In a similar vein, a procedural problem that can occur in group sessions is a lack of member involvement. If multiple group members are declining to start or continue conversations it may be up to the group leader to get creative in encouraging participation. Gladding (2016) suggests structured tasks or activities as icebreakers to take the focus off of how members will be perceived by others. Johari Window The Johari Awareness Model, or Johari Window, is a model made up of 4 panes which represent the different aspects of what is known about a person by others and by themself. The first quadrant “open” refers to things that the person themself knows and makes known to the rest of the world as well. The next quadrant “hidden” refers to things the person knows about
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
  • Access to all documents
  • Unlimited textbook solutions
  • 24/7 expert homework help
4 Week 2 Assignment themself but keeps hidden from others. The third quadrant “blind” focuses on things that are unknown to the person but that others are aware of, and the final quadrant “unknown” is made up of things that are unknown by the person or by anyone else (Gladding, 2016). One thing about myself that fell into that 4th quadrant until very recently was my tendency to have too much empathy for people to the point that I put my wants and needs second. When I have conflict or a disagreement with someone and I can understand why they think or feel the way they do, I often feel guilty for feeling negatively about the situation. In my mind, because they have some kind of justification for their thoughts or feelings I don’t have a right to be upset about it. As I have become aware of this irrational thinking, I have worked to remind myself that more than one thing can be true at a time, and that while they may have a reason for feeling the way they do, I am also allowed to have my feelings. As a group leader, being able to show that I also make an effort to reflect on myself and try to address my problematic thoughts. I feel that this would make me more relatable as a leader and help the group members to feel more comfortable and supported.
5 Week 2 Assignment References Gladding, S. T. (2016). Groups: A Counseling Specialty . Hardy, L. (2015, February 24). Are You Afraid of Group Therapy?, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2023, July 16 from https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/mentalhealthtreatmentcircle/2015/02/are-you-afraid- of-group-therapy