Group Work: Skills and Strategies for Effective Interventions

Contents Preface Chapter 1: Introduction Mutual Aid Group Cohesion Catharsis Mastery Models Group Phases Use of Self Chapter 2. In the Beginning The Members' Issues The Worker's Role: Use of Self and Issues of Authority Role of the Worker: Beginning Tasks and Issues for the Group Contracting Engagement Trusting and Testing Moving from the Concrete to the Thematic Conclusion Chapter 3. In the Middle The Members' Issues The Worker's Role: Use of Self and Issues of Authority The Group As Mother Working on a Shared Problem Obstacles Confrontation Conclusion Chapter 4. Endings The Members' Issues The Worker's Role: Use of Self and the Issues of Authority Termination of a Member: A Group Issue Lost in Feelings Staying with Feelings Termination and Regression Conclusion Chapter 5. Group Planning Needs Assessment Purpose Composition Structure Content Pregroup Contacts Agency Context Planning a Group for Persons with AIDS Conclusion Chapter 6. The Use of Programming in Groups Manipulating Aspects of Activities to Meet Clients' Needs The Group Mural Saying Good-Bye Acting Out Feelings Use of the Small Group in Large Group Settings Conclusion Chapter 7. Manifest and Latent Content Use of Self: The Worker's Role As Authority Tuning In to Nonverbal Cues Acting Out Feelings Following a Theme Growing by Respecting the Message of the Group Clarifying Communication Symbolic Expression The Hunger Artist Chapter 8. Confronting Acting-Out Behavior and Powerful Latent Themes Introduction Powerful Angry Feelings Confrontation in Beginnings Tips on Confronting Avoiding Confrontation Workers' Confrontation with Self Chapter 9. Using Humor in Groups The Absurdity of Suffering We Can Either Laugh or Cry I Am What I Am Getting the Message Through Laughing Through Our Tears Chapter 10. Special Practice Issues Special Structures Co-Therapy A Cooperative Effort Parallel Process Working Out Irreconcilable Differences Dealing with Problematic Situations Scapegoating Differences and Sameness: The Use of Self Conclusion Chapter 11. Value Dilemmas in Group Practice Matters of Confidentiality Individual versus Individual and Individual versus Group Group versus Agency Group as Reflective of Democratic Process Positions of Professionals Dealing with Ethical Issues Expressed in Groups Conclusion Glossary of Group Games and Exercises Activities for Use in the Beginnings Activities for Use in the Middles Activities for Use in the Endings Additional Bibliographic Material Bibliography Index