This work deals with group counselling, its benefits and limitations, its types of groups, its requirements for leaders, and its realisations – especially the realisation in a school context with a focus on psychoeducational groups.
The main source in literature will be Gerald Corey, and Gerald Corey & Marianne Schneider Corey respectively, as the two psychologists have published many books about counselling in the USA and give a broad overview on this field in America. The focus does have to be on the situation in the US since this kind of group counselling at schools is not used in Germany yet, as current research pointed out. Therefore, it always has to be kept in mind that the essay reflects an American point of view.
Additionally, the types of groups presented in this work only include participants who take place in group counselling voluntarily. For further readings on how to deal with members who are e.g. court-referred, please see Corey and Schneider Corey 1997, 331ff.
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Different kinds of groups in counselling practice
2.1. Definition of the term ‘group’
2.2. Groups in counselling practice
3. Group therapy versus group counselling
4. Qualities of a successful group leader
4.1. Personal traits
4.2. Professional traits
5. A practical example of group counselling at secondary school
5.1. In general: Problems and special needs of adolescents
5.2. Formal and organisational work in setting up a group
5.3. ‘Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACAs)’: Group
counselling for adolescents at school
5.3.1. Problems of adolescents with (an) alcoholic parent(s)
5.3.2. Description of the group experience
6. Limitations of group counselling
7. Future prospects
8. Works Cited
Table of Contents
- 1. INTRODUCTION
- 2. DIFFERENT KINDS OF GROUPS IN COUNSELLING PRACTICE
- 2.1. Definition of the term ‘group’
- 2.2. Groups in counselling practice
- 3. GROUP THERAPY VERSUS GROUP COUNSELLING
- 4. QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL GROUP LEADER
- 4.1. Personal traits
- 4.2. Professional traits
- 5. A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE OF GROUP COUNSELLING AT SECONDARY SCHOOL
- 5.1. In general: Problems and special needs of adolescents
- 5.2. Formal and organisational work in setting up a group
- 5.3. ‘Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACAs)': Group counselling for adolescents at school
- 5.3.1. Problems of adolescents with (an) alcoholic parent(s)
- 5.3.2. Description of the group experience
- 6. LIMITATIONS OF GROUP COUNSELLING
- 7. FUTURE PROSPECTS
Objectives and Key Themes
This work aims to explore group counseling, encompassing its advantages and disadvantages, the various types of groups involved, the leader's necessary qualities, and practical applications, particularly within a school setting focusing on psychoeducational groups. The study primarily utilizes the works of Gerald Corey and Gerald Corey & Marianne Schneider Corey as its foundational literature.
- Different types of groups in counseling practice and their characteristics
- Essential qualities and skills required of a successful group leader
- The application of group counseling in a secondary school context
- Specific challenges and considerations in working with adolescents
- Limitations and potential future directions of group counseling
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the entire work, outlining its scope and focus on group counseling. It establishes the primary literary sources used—the works of Gerald Corey and Gerald Corey & Marianne Schneider Corey—and acknowledges the American context of the research due to the lack of similar school-based group counseling practices in Germany at the time of writing. The chapter also clarifies that the work focuses on voluntary participants and defines the use of generic masculine pronouns.
2. Different kinds of groups in counselling practice: This chapter delves into the definition of "group" in a counseling context, referencing various perspectives on group dynamics and interaction. It distinguishes between different types of groups in counseling practice, emphasizing the importance of shared goals and a sense of belonging among members. The chapter highlights four main group types: task/work groups, guidance/psychoeducational groups, and others, each characterized by distinct goals, techniques, leader roles, and member characteristics. The necessity of specialized training for group leaders is also stressed.
4. Qualities of a successful group leader: This chapter examines the crucial traits and skills needed for effective group leadership. It divides these qualities into personal and professional attributes. Personal traits may include empathy, active listening, and self-awareness, while professional traits encompass knowledge of group dynamics, counseling techniques, and ethical considerations. The chapter underscores the importance of these combined attributes for creating a supportive and productive group environment.
5. A Practical Example of Group Counselling at Secondary School: This chapter presents a case study of group counseling in a secondary school setting, specifically focusing on a psychoeducational group for adolescents from families with alcoholic parents. The chapter discusses the specific problems faced by these adolescents, the organizational aspects of setting up the group, and a detailed description of the group's experiences and processes. It provides a practical illustration of the theories and concepts explored in previous chapters.
6. Limitations of Group Counselling: This chapter is expected to explore potential drawbacks and challenges associated with group counseling. These limitations could range from issues related to group dynamics and member participation to ethical considerations and the specific needs of diverse populations. The chapter would likely offer insights into situations where group counseling might not be the most effective approach.
Keywords
Group counseling, group therapy, psychoeducational groups, group leadership, adolescent counseling, alcoholic families, group dynamics, counseling techniques, school-based interventions.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Guide to Group Counseling in Secondary Schools
What is this document about?
This document provides a comprehensive overview of group counseling, specifically focusing on its application within secondary school settings. It explores various types of groups, the qualities of effective group leaders, practical examples (particularly a case study of a group for adolescents with alcoholic parents), and limitations of the approach. The work draws heavily on the writings of Gerald Corey and Gerald Corey & Marianne Schneider Corey.
What are the key themes explored in this document?
The key themes include different types of groups in counseling practice (task/work groups, guidance/psychoeducational groups, etc.), the essential qualities of successful group leaders (both personal and professional traits), the application of group counseling in secondary schools, challenges of working with adolescents, and limitations and future directions of group counseling.
What types of groups are discussed?
The document differentiates between various types of groups used in counseling, highlighting their unique goals, techniques, and leader roles. Specific examples mentioned include task/work groups, guidance/psychoeducational groups, and groups focusing on specific issues like those for adolescents with alcoholic parents.
What are the qualities of a successful group leader?
The document outlines both personal and professional qualities needed for effective group leadership. Personal attributes include empathy, active listening, and self-awareness. Professional qualities encompass knowledge of group dynamics, counseling techniques, and ethical considerations. The combination of these is crucial for a supportive and productive group environment.
What is the practical example provided in the document?
A detailed case study focuses on a psychoeducational group for adolescents from families with alcoholic parents (ACAs) in a secondary school. This example illustrates the application of group counseling theories in a real-world setting, covering the problems faced by these adolescents, the organizational process of establishing the group, and a description of the group's experiences and processes.
What are the limitations of group counseling mentioned?
While not explicitly detailed, the document indicates that a chapter is dedicated to exploring potential drawbacks and challenges. These limitations could involve issues with group dynamics, member participation, ethical considerations, and the specific needs of diverse populations, suggesting situations where group counseling might not be the most effective approach.
Who are the primary authors referenced in this work?
The document primarily utilizes the works of Gerald Corey and Gerald Corey & Marianne Schneider Corey as its foundational literature.
What is the focus of the practical example in the secondary school?
The practical example centers on a psychoeducational group for adolescents whose parents are alcoholics ("Adult Children of Alcoholics" or ACAs). It details the specific problems faced by these adolescents, the group's organization, and the group experience itself.
What are the keywords associated with this document?
Keywords include: Group counseling, group therapy, psychoeducational groups, group leadership, adolescent counseling, alcoholic families, group dynamics, counseling techniques, and school-based interventions.
Where is the context of the research primarily based?
The research acknowledges its primarily American context due to the difference in school-based group counseling practices in Germany at the time of writing.
What kind of participants are considered in this study?
The study focuses on voluntary participants in group counseling sessions.
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- Eveline Reiß (Autor:in), 2009, Aspects of Group Counselling, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/139511
