Dyadic therapy definition

1.Rounds and dyads can be very excellent and effective techniques for many different types of groups. As group leaders, we must know how to use these two techniques in order to be effective group leaders and make the groups that we lead have more meaning. As stated by Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, and Harvill (2016), "The value of rounds cannot be overemphasized - no skill, technique, or exercise mentioned in this book is more valuable than a round" (p. 206). Rounds can have many uses, including building comfort and trust, gaining focus of group members, gathering information, drawing out quiet members, deepening group intensity, and summarizing group goals, just to name a few.

A dyad is an activity where pairs of members discuss issues or complete a task, and are immensely valuable because they can be used for many reasons. According to Corey, Corey, and Haynes (2014), "Working in pairs facilitates member interaction because talking to one person seems less threatening that addressing the entire group" (p. 18-19). Dyads have many uses, including: Developing comfort, warming up group members, processing information, finishing topics, getting certain members together, providing leader-member interaction, changing group format, and providing adequate time for the group to think (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016, p. 216). Dyads are a key in involving all group members, and allowing ample time for all members to voice their thoughts and concerns.

An example of a specific round that I might use is a Word or Phrase round, which is where the members are asked to respond with only a word or short phrase in order to keep the comments brief (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016, p. 209). My question for my group members of my Education group would be, "in a word or phrase, how would you describe your feelings about community policing?" This question would help me to get an initial understanding of where my group members stand and what their opinions are regarding this particular topic.

I would use a dyad exercise in either the first or second group session, which can help members become comfortable. I would have members pair up during the initial group meeting in order to establish more comfort, and also to gain a better understanding of what my group members would like to learn.