Group Counseling and Therapy

The course examines the theory, practice, and functioning of group processes.  Different types of small groups are studied, including self-help groups.  Leadership, meta-communications, methods, dynamics, and facilitative skills are presented.  Small group participation is included.

PREREQUISITE: CSL6782

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Defining the origins of group guidance, group counseling, and psychotherapy, including the leaders and time frames.
• Applying specific theories of practice to group counseling and psychotherapy.
• Applying group dynamics and processes.
• Evaluating ethical and professional guidelines for professional group leaders.
• Interpreting the progression of group stages and the relationships among the stages.
• Selecting appropriate interventions for members who present common patterns such as fear, anger, and/or violence.
• Selecting therapeutic responses when working with cultural diversity among group members.
• Managing assessments of group members for use in the selection of members for planning specific strategies and techniques.
• Applying appropriate clinical interventions with selected clinical, educational, business, and/or community populations.
• Demonstrating leadership skills in both group maintenance and group facilitation.
• Modeling effective group techniques for use in schools, community, or organizational settings.
• Illustrating proper administrative procedures for group counselors or therapists including effective documentation.
• Discerning when group counseling is appropriate or is preferred as a treatment modality.
• Providing and synthesizing the exchange of feedback between self and other leaders and group members.
• Applying selected models of consultation to help groups or organizations to change.
• Reviewing the nature and scope of research about group counseling and therapy.