unit v rules for the group process

Unit V Rules for the Group Process

Dean Owen, Ph.D., LPCCProfessor EmeritusDepartment of Foundational and Graduate Studies in Education

EDGC 667

Group Counseling

Rules for the the

Counseling Group

Ethical Code for Group Leaders: Association of Specialists in Group Work

Procederual Rules

Ethical Code for Group Leaders: Association of Specialists in Group Work

Ethical Code for Group Leaders: Association of Specialists in Group Work

Group counseling is a learning experience. It is built upon the idea that a group of individuals can come together and by utilizing each others ideas, energy, and good will learning can be enhanced for all.

Experience has shown that the following rules are helpful….

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #1Let others know what your ideas are.

What each member has to say is important for the open sharing of ideas is critical to promoting and sharing within the group….

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #2Ask your questions.

There are no “stupid” questions….your question and the group answers often present opportunities for all of us to learn.

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #3

Don’t do all of the talking…

Give others the opportunity to join in the discussion.

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #4

Help other members participate…

Encourage others in the group to join in….for example you might say, “Karla, you look like you have something to say….please share your ideas with us.”

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #5

Listen carefully to the other members.

Listen intently to your group members and what they have to say….you cannot listen if you’re rehearsing what you’re going to say.

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #6

Group members are here to help.

By helping others you can often find strength and solutions for your own concerns so be willing to open up and share your ideas and also be prepared to hear the comments of other group members.

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #7

Be willing to accept another point of view.

The great joy of group work is the ability to try on different thoughts, feelings and behaviors within the safety of the group membership.

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #8

Keep up with the discussion.

Don’t allow the discussion to progress without you…if you get lost or confused….let everyone know immediately.

Berg & Landreth, 1990

Rule #9

Sharing your ideas and feelings is what this group is all about.

Don’t keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself. Sharing them is acceptable.

References

Berg, R & Landreth, G., (1990). Group Counseling: Concepts and Procedures (2nd ed.) Muncie, IA: Accelerated Development Inc. Publishers.

Cory, G. (2012) . Theory and practice of group counseling 8th ed. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.

Gladding, S. T. (1994). "Effective group counseling." Greensboro, NC: ERIC/CASS.

Lewin, K. (1948). "Resolving social conflicts: Selective papers on group dynamics." New York: Harper.