Group Counselling Research Paper

Table of Contents

Introduction        2

Literature review        2

Theoretical frameworks and models        4

Role of the client and counsellor        5

stages of group counselling        5

Techniques        6

Ethical considerations        7

Goals and objectives        7

Evaluation        8

Effectiveness of group counselling        8

Advantages        8

Disadvantages        9

Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………10

Bibliography        11

Introduction

        Group counselling is a dynamic, relational process through which individuals inside the typical scope of change cooperate with a professionally skilled helper, investigating issues and emotions in an attempt to alter their mentalities so they can better manage formative problems (Cohn, Conibs, Gibian & Sniffen, 1963). Group counselling has become increasingly popular for supporting people affected by chronic illness (Sherman, Mosier, Leszcz, Burlingame, Ulman, Cleary, Simonton, Latif, Hazelton & Strauss, 2004).

A counselling group has a specific focus. This focus may be educational, career based, social, or even personal (Gladding, 2008). Group counselling aims to prevent as well as to remedy dysfunction and maladaptive behaviour. Counselling groups are often problem oriented, and the members determine their content and aims. Group members’ concerns generally relate to the developmental tasks of the life span. Group counselling tends to be growth oriented in that it emphasises the realisation of one’s internal resources of strength (DeLucia-Waack, Kalodner, & Riva, 2013).  

This assignment will look at all aspects pertaining to working with groups in group counselling. This includes a literature review, theoretical frameworks and models, health and dysfunction, the role of the counsellor when working with groups, ethical considerations, an evaluation of group counselling as well as techniques one can employ when doing group counselling.

Literature review

Group counselling comes in various forms, with psychoeducation being the most prominent form (DeLucia-Waack et al., 2013). Most group members benefit from the process of helping each other and conveying their fears in an open and supportive environment (Yalom & Greaves, 1977). Group work emphasizes interpersonal communication of conscious thoughts, feelings, and behaviour (Corey & Corey, 2006). During this interaction, individuals are provided with a chance to assess themselves and additionally the circumstance, which causes them to change their states of mind and behaviour (Hansen, Warner, & Smith, 1980).

Koukourikos & Pasmatzi (2014) report that, psychiatric facilities have used group counselling in treating patients because of its relatively fast outcomes. This is because many patients help and guide each other during sessions (Koukourikos & Pasmatzi, 2014). The interpersonal interactions that are important to in this type of approach make patient-patient assistance very effective (Koukourikos & Pasmatzi, 2014).

There are six different types of groups, namely, support-mutual aid groups, intervention specific groups, prevention focused groups, motivational groups, social change groups and task-oriented groups (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, & Schimmel, 2011). 

A support-mutual aid group acts as a support structure for people who have the same experiences and needs. It helps empower the group members by giving them the opportunity to help others. Examples could be Alcoholics Anonymous, HIV support groups (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, & Schimmel, 2011). 

Intervention specific groups usually follow existing programs or manuals. They are structured to use various programs to help individuals work towards change or development. It is important that the group facilitator have enough information about the program the group follows. An example is The Safety Counts intervention group, which helps individuals who use illicit drugs to stop using them (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, & Schimmel, 2011). 

Prevention focused groups motivate individuals to change, adopt certain health practices, or focus on goals. They are similar to intervention groups in that they follow specific programs. Examples could be HIV programs, which provide information about preventing the risks of being infected (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, & Schimmel, 2011).

Motivational groups promote certain practices for when people are not well motivated to engage in these practices. The Safety Counts group can also be seen as a motivational group in that it focuses to reinforce and promote change in individuals (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, & Schimmel, 2011).

The social change group focuses on changing a policy or practice within either an organisation or a community. They can have a powerful impact on empowering individuals about social change (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, & Schimmel, 2011).

Task oriented groups are seen as work groups. They emphasis a set of tasks that the group has to accomplish within a certain period (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, & Schimmel, 2011).

Not enough research has been done to support the South African context, research already done refers mainly to HIV/AIDS groups. Moosa, & Jeenah (2012) has stated that group counselling has been seen to be more effective within the South African context. Group counselling helps people with HIV/AIDS be more open to receiving treatment and talking to other people (Moosa, & Jeenah, 2012).

Theoretical frameworks and models

When doing group counselling, there are several approaches that can be used. One of them is the problem solving approach. Sohrabi, Mohammadi, & Aghdam  (2013) states that the counsellor has to be flexible in their approach in solving problems as well as focusing on the here and now (Hajek, 2012). It has seven steps which can be used to help clients within the group to solve their problems. The first step involves clarifying the problem. The second step focuses on suggesting alternatives. The third step involves the group members being willing to list their objectives. The fourth step highlights establishing consequences. In the fifth step, the clients should establish priorities. The sixth step is when the clients choose an alternative. In the last step, the client should be willing to implement the chosen alternative (Rasmussen, 1979).

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