Option 1: Ethno-cultural Factors in Groups
Description: The purpose of this paper is for students to learn about group work looking through the lens of Critical Race Theory, consider factors such as gender, age, culture, class, sexual orientation, and disability. Paper should have at least 5-8 cited sources, listed on the syllabus.
Paper Outline:
- Introduction: Select a population (by gender, race,
ethnicity, age group, etc.) and
- research the literature on using a group modality with them to address a specific issue (depression, anger, parenting, etc.).
- Type
of group: You may examine any of the four group
types for this paper (task,
- psycho-education, counseling and psychotherapy). Relate the functioning of the group to therapeutic factors and stages of development for groups.
- Group
issues: Discuss the issues the literature
presents in group work with the chosen population, contextual considerations
that impact the population, and issues with these groups when there is diverse
membership.
- Discuss your findings and/or thoughts and experiences on how to best remedy any issues that can be problematic, as well as those that result in optimum outcomes.
- Social Worker variables: Address facilitator variables that are important to be an effective group leader. Include here your knowledge about how to engage client into group process and how you assess their fit for the group.
- Evaluation of progress: Consider evaluating approaches to determine the impact of the group. If this group were your responsibility, what strategies might you use to assess change? Regardless of the type of group, be concrete in the way you measure change.
- Personal experience/self-reflection: Incorporate your professional/personal experiences with your selected population in the context of group services.
- Conclusion: As if you were advocating for this population, with all the information discussed make a persuasive argument for providing groups for them.
Option 2: Proposal to develop a new group in an agency/program
Description: Following the guidelines below, write a proposal for developing a new group your field placement agency. Papers should be clear, succinct, carefully proofread, typed and double spaced. Paper should have at least 5-8 cited sources, listed on the syllabus.
Include the following within the body of the paper:
- Abstract: brief statement summarizing concept and rationale for the group.
- Agency/Institution Context: Setting, Mission, Services, Staffing, Clientele, etc.
- Reason for Selection of Proposal Topic: Include any personal interest in the topic
- Literature
Review Regarding Proposed Group.
- Literature discussing population/problem
- Literature discussing groups conducted for the same/similar populations
- For each of the
following, identify your plans and discuss the rationale for your choices.
- Purpose of the group
- Methods utilized to identify need for group
- Goals of the group
- Verbatim statement of purpose – as written for a program brochure
- Leader/Worker Considerations
- Ideal characteristics, Demographics (age, gender, ethnicity), Values, Experience
- Discuss likelihood of co-leadership and subsequent considerations. If ideal leadership cannot occur, what will actual leader(s) be like?
- Assessment of Potential Agency/Community Sponsorship: Policies and practices regarding groups, resources
- Methods of recruitment
- Composition and structure
- Criteria for member inclusion/exclusion – homogeneity vs. heterogeneity
- Group size – number, open vs. closed membership
- Time factors – frequency, length, duration of group
- Proposed nature and format for the group’s activities – Describe, in detail, plans for several sessions. Consider beginning and ending rituals, structure of sessions, topics, and activities planned.
- Orienting and Contracting Procedures
- Environmental Considerations
- Stages of group development
- Anticipated group specific issues
related to the stages of the group’s development,
- including the role of the social worker
- Issues of diversity that might arise within this group, e.g., issues of age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, class, religion, or level of physical, emotional or cognitive functioning
- Purpose of the group
- Evaluation
- Methods for evaluating the accomplishment of the group purpose(s)
- Methods for evaluation of worker
- Worker’s
self-awareness
- Discuss any personal issues that might
be evoked if you were the worker. Include
- discussion on any power differentials based on gender, sexual orientation, ability, or race.
- Describe how you might handle these
- Discuss any personal issues that might
be evoked if you were the worker. Include
Class readings
Group Work/ Group Therapy WEB Resources
American Psychological Association, Division 49 (Group Psychotherapy):
Association of the Advancement of Social Work with Groups http://www.aaswg.org/
Association for Specialists in Group Work: http://www.coe.colstate.edu/asgw
Group Therapy Home page: http: //www.diac.com/-haimw/group2.html
Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama Home Page: http://www.albie.wcupa.edu/psy513
The Center for Group Studies: http://www.groupcenter.org/
World
Wide Web Resources for Social Workers: http://www.nyu.edu/socialwork/wwwrsw
Class I
Introduction to Course
Historical Perspectives Group Psychotherapy
- Development of group practice
- Early influences, leaders, important contributions from social work (COS and settlement house), i.e., developmental approach.
- Knowledge from social science research and influential theories
- Psychoanalytic theory
- System theory
- Learning theory
- Field theory
3. Social and political influences:
- Immigration
- Acculturation
- Education
- Activism
B. Group interventive skills in community initiatives and social movement
- Self help movement
- Influence in therapeutic advocacy
- Role of social worker
Required Readings
Andrews, J. (2001). Group work’s place in social work: A historical analysis. Journal of Sociology and Social Welfare, 28(4), 45-65.
Toseland, R. & Rivas, R. (2017). Historical and theoretical developments. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 43-66). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Recommended Readings
Drum, K. (2006). The essential power of group work. Social Work with Groups, 29(2/3), 27-41.
Scheidlinger, S. (2000). The group psychotherapy at the millennium. International Group Psychotherapy Journal, 50(3), 315-33.
Steinberg, D.M. (2010). Mutual aid: A contribution to best-practice social work. Social Work with Groups, 33, 55-68.
Class II
Overview of Group Work Processes
- Emphasis on group as mutual aid agent.
- A focus on the systemic interplay of individual in small groups, i.e., family, school, work, community, and the biological, environmental and culture factors influencing this interplay.
- Identification of different group interventive methods for the different populations, i.e., prevention/ education; advocacy/empowerment; supportive/therapeutic; socialization/task; self‑help/mutual aid.
Required Readings
Lietz, C.A. (2007). Strengths-based group practice: Three case studies. Social Work with Groups 30(2), 73-87.
Pollio, D.E. (2003). The evidence-based group worker. Social Work with Groups, 25(4), 57-70.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Introduction. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp 1-42). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Recommended Readings
Drum, K. (2006). The essential power of group work. Social Work with Groups, 29(2/3), 27-41.
Scheidlinger, S. (2000). The group psychotherapy at the millennium. International Group Psychotherapy Journal, 50(3), 315-33.
Steinberg, D.M. (2010). Mutual aid: A contribution to best-practice social work. Social Work with Groups, 33, 55-68.
Class III
Theoretical Group Perspectives
- Emphasis
on social work theoretical approaches to group work.
- Identification of psychodynamic theoretical orientations to group work.
- Understanding group dynamics
Required Readings
Kurland, R., & Salmon, R. (1998). Purpose: A misunderstood and misused keystone of group work practice. Social Work with Groups, 21(3), 5-17.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Understanding group dynamics. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 67-97). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Toseland, R. & Rivas, R. (2017). Historical and theoretical developments. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 43-66). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Recommended Readings
Basadur, M. (2004). Leading others to think innovatively together: Creative leadership. The Leadership Quarterly, 15, 103-121.
Congress, E., & Lynn, M. (1997). Group work practice in the community: Navigating the slippery slope of ethical dilemmas. Social Work with Groups, 20(3), 61-73.
Class IV
Ethics and Values in Group Practice
- Societal
and personal values as regards to group practice.
- Values guiding group practice
- Self‑determination
- Empowerment
- The group as change agent
- Privacy and confidentiality
- The group as a vehicle for all forms of societal oppression, i.e., racial, economic, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, cultural, age, physical and psychological disability
- Boundaries in group practice: Ethical issues
Required Readings
Gumpert, J., & Black, P. (2007) Ethical issues in group work: What are they? How are they managed? Social Work with Groups, 29(4), 61-74
Knauss, L.K. (2006) Ethical issues in record keeping in group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 56, 415-430.
Northen, H. (2004). Ethics and values in group. In C. Garvin, L. Gutierrez, & M. Galinsky (Eds.). Handbook of social work with groups (pp. 76-89). New York, NY: Guilford Press.
Recommended Readings
Gilbert, M.C., & Beidler, A.E. (2001). Using the narrative approach in groups for chemically dependent mothers. Social Work with Groups, 23(3/4), 101-115.
Class V
Pre-Group Planning and Group Formation
A. Assessment of sponsorship and membership
- Auspices for group
- Membership issues
- Recruitment mechanisms
- Readiness of agency/setting for group
B. Establishing a group
- Group purpose as defined by agency & members
- Recruiting members
- Composition of group
C. Leader/co‑leading model
- Status of leader/co‑leaders
- Factors in co‑leadership
a. Competition
b. Activity/inactivity
c. Theoretical orientation
D. Concurrent individual and group treatment understanding the dynamics of combined individual and group treatment
Required Readings
Duffy, T. (1994). The check-in and other go-rounds in group work: Guidelines for use. Social Work with Groups, 17(1/2), 163-175.
Hannah, P. (2000). Preparing members for the expectations of social work with groups: An approach to the preparatory interview. Social Work with Groups, 22(4), 51-65.
Kurland, R. (2005). Planning: The neglected component of group development. Social Work with Groups, 28(3/4), 9-16.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Planning the group. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice
(pp. 160-195). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Recommended Reading
Alonso, A., & Rutan, S. (1996). Separation and individuation in the group leader. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 46, 146-162.
Fall, K., & Wejnert, T. (2005). Co-leader stages of development: An application of Tuckman and Jensen (1997). The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 30(4), 309-327.
Class VI
Beginning Phase of Group Practice
A. Objectives in the beginning stage
1. Defining the purpose of the group
2. Resolving initial resistance
3. Contracting
4. Task and emotional focus of the group
5. Members’ feedback and group structure
6. Goal setting in group practice
B. Use of self in group
1. Transference
2. Countertransference
3. Self‑disclosure
Required Readings
*Video to Building Bridges Click Here to Access: Building Bridges
Brown, N. (2003). Conceptualizing process. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 53(2), 225-242.
Comstock, D.L., Duffey, T., & St. George, H. (2002). The Relational-Cultural Model: A framework for group process. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 27(3), 254-272.
Steinberg, D.M. (2006). She’s doing all the talking so what’s in it for me? (The use of time in groups). Social Work with Groups. 28(3/4), 173-185.
Recommended Reading
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Leadership and diversity. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 137-159). Boston. MA: Pearson.
Class VII
Middle Phase of Group Practice: Tasks, Socialization and Group Interventive Methods
A. Functions of task group
1. Sharing information
2. Establish time‑frame
3. Developing information
4. Making decisions
5. Monitoring and evaluating group
6. Problem solving
7. Identifying a problem
a. Developing goals
b. Collecting data
c. Selecting plan
d. Implementing plan
Readings for both 7 and 8
Required Reading
Gans, J., & Counselman, E. (2000). Silence in group psychotherapy: A powerful communication. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 50(1). 71-86.
Gitterman, A., & Wayne, J. (2003). Turning points in group life: Using high tension moments to promote group purpose and mutual aid. Families in Society, 84(3), 433-440.
Grossman Dean, R. (1998). A narrative approach to groups. Clinical Social Work Journal, 26(1), 23.
Landrum, S.S. (2016). Enhancing recovery from trauma: Facilitating a mindfulness skills group on a Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient PTSD unit. Social Work with Groups, 39, 35-47.
Rosenthal, L. (2005). Castouts and dropouts-premature termination in group analysis. Modern Psychoanalysis, 30(2), 40-53.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Treatment groups: Specialized method. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 295–335). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Task groups: Specialized methods. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 364–394). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Wright, F. (2000). The use of the self in group leadership: A relational perspective. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 50(2), 181-199.
Recommended Readings
Kelly, T., & Berman-Rossi, T. (1999). Advancing stages of group development theory: The case of institutionalized older person. Social Work with Groups, 22(2/3), 119-138.
Markus, H.E., & Abernethy, A.D. (2001). Joining with resistance: Addressing reluctance to engage in group therapy training. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 51(2), 191-205.
Thomas, H., & Caplan, T. (1999). Spinning the group process wheel: Effective facilitation techniques for motivating involuntary client groups. Social Work with Groups, 21(4), 3-21.
Class VIII
Middle Phase: Supportive and Treatment Group Interventions
A. Facilitating support/leading treatment groups
1. Preparing for group meetings
2. Norms of the group
3. Leaders’ roles
4. Intervening with group members
5. Adding new members
a. Preparing new members
b. Preparing groups
6. Understanding stages of group development and process
a. Latent and manifest content
b. Authority and intimacy
c. Conflict/conflict resolution
d. Identification of themes in group practice
e. Understanding resistance, transference, countertransference and relational process
Readings for both 7 and 8
Required Reading
Gans, J., & Counselman, E. (2000). Silence in group psychotherapy: A powerful communication. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 50(1). 71-86.
Gitterman, A., & Wayne, J. (2003). Turning points in group life: Using high tension moments to promote group purpose and mutual aid. Families in Society, 84(3), 433-440.
Grossman Dean, R. (1998). A narrative approach to groups. Clinical Social Work Journal, 26(1), 23.
Landrum, S.S. (2016). Enhancing recovery from trauma: Facilitating a mindfulness skills group on a Department of Veterans Affairs inpatient PTSD unit. Social Work with Groups, 39, 35-47.
Rosenthal, L. (2005). Castouts and dropouts-premature termination in group analysis. Modern Psychoanalysis, 30(2), 40-53.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Treatment groups: Specialized method. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 295–335). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Task groups: Specialized methods. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice (pp. 364–394). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Recommended Readings
Kelly, T., & Berman-Rossi, T. (1999). Advancing stages of group development theory: The case of institutionalized older person. Social Work with Groups, 22(2/3), 119-138.
Markus, H.E., & Abernethy, A.D. (2001). Joining with resistance: Addressing reluctance to engage in group therapy training. International Journal of Psychotherapy, 51(2), 191-205.
Thomas, H., & Caplan, T. (1999). Spinning the group process wheel: Effective facilitation techniques
for motivating involuntary client groups. Social Work with Groups, 21(4), 3-21.
Class IX
Research and Evaluation of Group Work Practice
A. Review of evidence based practice research for groups
B. Evaluation of differential group interventive methods
1 .Measurements of group effectiveness
2. Evaluation of different group methods and particular interventions
Required Readings
Bordelon, T.D. (2006). A qualitative approach to developing an instrument for assessing MSW students’ group work performance. Social Work with Groups, 29(4), 75-91.
Macgowan, M. (2003). Increasing engagement in groups: A measurement based approach. Social Work with Groups, 26(1), 5-28.
Ramirez, M.H., Rogers, S.J., Johnson, H.L., Banks, J., Seay, W.P., Tinsely, B.L., & Grant, A.W. (2013). If we ask, what might they tell: Clinical assessment lessons from LGBT Military personnel post-DADT. Journal of Homosexuality, 60(2/3), 401-418.
Regehr, C., & Hill, J. (2000). Evaluating the efficacy of crisis debriefing groups. Social Work with Groups, 23(3), 69-79.
Rice, A.H. (2001). Evaluating brief structured group treatment of depression. Research on Social Work Practice, 9(2), 148-171.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Evaluation. In R. Toseland & R. Rivas, An introduction to group work practice
(pp.417-443). Boston. MA: Pearson.
Class X
Short Term Group Interventions
A. Differences between short-term and long-term open-ended groups
1. Role of leader
2. Agenda setting
B. Impact of managed care on group work practice
Required Readings
Beck, R., & Buchele, B. (2005). In the belly of the beast: Traumatic countertransference. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 55(1), 31-45
Nosko, A. (2002). Adventures in co-leadership in social group work practice. Social Work with Groups, 25(1/2), 175-183.
Nosko, A., & Wallace, R. (1997). Female/male co-leadership in groups. Social Work with Groups. 20(2), 2-16.
Schopler, J., & Galinsky, M. (1990). Can open-ended groups move beyond beginnings? Small
Group Research, 21(4), 435-449.
Wright, F. (2000). The use of the self in group leadership: A relational perspective. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 50(2), 181-199.
Class XI
Diverse Populations
A. Planning and implementation of groups
B. Addressing differences
1. Race
2. Class
3. Ethnicity
4. Gender
5. Gender identity/expression
6. Sexual orientation
7. Age
Required Readings
Camacho, S. (2002). Addressing conflict rooted in diversity: The role of the facilitator. Social Work with Groups, 24(3/4), 135-152
Chen, E.C., Kakkad, D., & Balzano, J. (2008). Multicultural competence and evidence-based practice in group therapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64, 1261-1278.
Diaz, T. P. (2003). Group work from an Asian Pacific Island perspective: Making connections between group worker ethnicity and practice. Social Work with Groups, 25(3), 43-60.
Dessel, A., Rogge, M., & Garlington, S. (2006). Using intergroup dialogue to promote social justice and change. Social
Work, 51(4), 303-315.
Green, T., & Stiers, M. (2002). Multiculturalism and group therapy in the United States: A social constructionist perspective. Group, 26(3), 233-246.
Shen, I. (2004). Talking with adolescents about race and ethnicity: What a group worker needs. Social Work with Groups, 26(3), 61-75.
Smith, L.C., & Shin, R.Q. (2008). Social privilege, social justice and group counseling: An inquiry. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 33(4), 351-366.
Recommended Readings
Chen, M., & Han, Y. (2001). Cross-cultural group counseling with Asians: A stage specific interactive approach. The Journal of Specialists in Group Work, 26(2) 11-128.
Class XII
Life Cycle and Theme-Related Groups
A. By populations
1. Children
2. Adolescents
3. Young adults
4. Midlife
5. Elderly
B. By topic (stressors)
1. Health/illness, including HIV/AIDS
2. Mental illness
3. Substance abuse/dependence
4. Domestic violence
5. Sexual abuse
6. Trauma
7. Developmental & learning disabilities
8. Bereavement
9. Homelessness
10. Poverty
11. Discrimination
12. Divorce
13. Work-related stressors
14. School-related stressors
The readings for this week are based on students’ preferences; population working with and/or educational interests
Children and Adolescents
Abrams, B. (2000). Finding common ground in a conflict resolution group for boys. Social Work with Groups 23(1), 55-60.
Baker, S. (2001). Coping skills training for adolescents: Applying cognitive behavioral principles to psychoeducational groups. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 26(3), 219-227.
Currie, M. (2004). Doing anger differently: A group percussion therapy for angry adolescent boys. International Journal
of Group Psychotherapy, 54(3), 275-294.
Davis, L., Geikie, G., & Schamess, G. (1988). The use of genograms in a group for latency-age
children. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 38(1), 189-209.
Huth-Bocks, A., Schettini, A., & Shebroe, V. (2001). Group play therapy for preschoolers exposed to domestic violence.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Group Therapy, 11(1), 19-34.
Pinto R. (2000). HIV prevention for adolescent groups: A six step approach. Social Work with Groups, 23(3), 81-100.
Mishna, F., & Muskat, B. (2001). Social group work for young offenders with learning disabilities. Social Work with
Groups, 24(3/4) 11-31.
Rittner, B., & Smyth, N.J. (1999). Time-limited cognitive-behavior group interventions with suicidal adolescents.
Social Work with Groups, 22, 55-75.
Shechtmann, Z. (2001). Prevention groups for angry and aggressive children. The Journal of Specialists in Group Work,
26(3), 228-236.
Adults
Dickey, L.M., & Lowy, M.I., (2010). Group work with transgender clients. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 35(3), 236-245.
Evans, S., Chisholm, P., & Walshe, P (2001). A dynamic psychotherapy group for the elderly. Group Analysis, 34(2), 287-298.
Jacques, J.R. (1998). Working with spiritual and religious themes in group therapy. International Journal of Group
Psychotherapy, 48(1), 69-83.
Mason, S., & Vazquez, D. (2007). Making positive changes: A psychoeducation group for parents with HIV/AIDS.
Social Work with Groups, 30(2), 27-40.
Sapia, J. (2001). Using groups for preventing eating disorders among college women. The Journal for Specialist in Group
Work, 26(3), 256-266.
Söchting, I., O’Neal, E., Third, B., Rogers, J., & Ogrodniczuk, J. S. (2013). An integrative group therapy model for depression and anxiety in later life. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 63(4), 502-523.
Simonton, S., & Sherman, A (2000). An integrated model of group treatment for cancer patients. International Journal
of Group Psychotherapy, 50(4), 487-505.
Topor, D. R., Grosso, D., Burt, J., & Falcon, T. (2013). Skills for Recovery: A recovery-oriented dual diagnosis group for Veterans with serious mental illness and substance abuse. Social Work With Groups, 36(2-3), 222-235.
Van Duesen, K.M., & Carr, J.L. (2004). Group work at a university: A psychoeducational sexual assault group for
women. Social Work with Groups, 27(4), 51-54.
Washington, O.M., & Moxley, D.P. (2001). The use of prayer in group work with African American women recovering
from chemical dependency. Families in Society, 82(1), 49-59.
Class XIII
Termination Phase in Group Practice
A. Planned and unplanned termination of group
B. Variations in ending groups
1. Members leave group/or die while member of group
2. Leader/s leave
C. Interventions related to ending the group
Required Reading
Fieldsteel, N (2005). When the therapist says goodbye. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 55(2), 245-279.
Manigione, L., Forti, R., & Iacuzzi, C. (2007). Ethics and endings in group psychotherapy: Saying good-by and saying it well. International Journal of Group psychotherapy, 57(1), 25-40.
Shapiro, E., & Ginzberg, R. (2002). Parting gifts: Termination rituals in group therapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 52(3), 319-336.
Toseland, R., & Rivas, R. (2017). Ending the group’s work. In An introduction to group work practice (pp. 395-416). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Vichnis, R. (1999). Passing the baton: Principles and implications for transferring the leadership of a group. Social Work with Groups 22(2/3), 130-157.
Recommended Reading
Simon, J. (1992). The group therapist’s absence and substitute leader. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 42(2), 289-291.
Class XIV
Technology-Based Groups
- Use of telephone, voice mail, and text messaging
- Use of internet-based technologies for therapy, self-help, and education
Course summary and evaluation
Students as members and group leaders
Required Reading
Weinberg, H. (2001). Group process and group phenomenon on the internet. International Journal of
Group Psychotherapy, 51(3), 361-379.
