Theoretical approaches to group counseling

Please no plagiarism and make sure you are able to access all resource on your own before you bid. One of the references must come from Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2018). I have attached an example of the Venn Diagram and the Template that is supposed to be used. Please follow the instructions. I need this completed by 07/26/18 at 6pm.

Assignment: Theoretical Approaches Applied to Group Counseling

The orientation counselors have regarding their work is based on an awareness of their own personalities, preferences, and values, combined with the counseling theories that most reflect their understanding of members’ ways of thinking and behaving. This orientation influences the way counselors approach and facilitate group work.

At this point in your educational career, you may still be exploring counseling approaches and developing your own theoretical orientation. That is okay and expected. This Assignment is an opportunity to further explore the concepts, goals, therapeutic relationship, and techniques of counseling theories as they are applied to group work. Consider how you might incorporate elements of one or more of these approaches in your Group Proposal if you have not done so already.

To prepare:

Review the articles in the Learning Resources and consider the different theoretical approaches to group counseling.
View Program Three of the Evolution of a Group video, entitled “Lecturettes on Theoretical Approaches,” which includes psychodynamic, experiential and relationship-oriented, cognitive behavioral, post-modern (solution-focused, narrative, feminist, and multicultural), and integrative approaches.
Download the Venn Diagram Template from the Learning Resources.
Select two theories/approaches to compare for this Assignment. Note that since the Venn diagram example compares REBT and psychoanalytic theories, you should not select those two specific approaches for your comparison.
The Assignment:

Use the Venn Diagram Template to compare two theoretical approaches applied to group work.
Identify the two theories you selected at the top of the chart.
Compare the key concepts and focus (past childhood experiences, thoughts, feelings, relationships), goals, therapeutic relationship, leadership style, and techniques of each theory.
On the outside portions of the diagram, list those characteristics that are unique to each theory/approach. In the middle of the diagram, list the characteristics that are common to both theories/approaches.

Required Resources

Readings

Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2018). Groups: Process and practice (10th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.

Chapter 4, “Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling”
Corwin, D., Wall, K. & Koopman, C. (2012). Psycho-spiritual integrative therapy for women with breast cancer. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 37(3), 252–273. 10.1080/01933922.2012.686961

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Gaffney, S. (2008). Steps towards a practice of Gestalt with groups: A mini-manual for beginners. Gestalt Journal of Australia & New Zealand, 5(1), 32–51.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Macrodimitris, S. D., Hamilton, K. E., Backs-Dermott, B., & Mothersill, K. J. (2010). CBT basics: A group approach to teaching fundamental cognitive-behavioral skills. Journal of Cognitive Psychotherapy, 24(2), 132–146. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/276282765?accountid=14872

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Plosker, R., & Chang, J. (2014). A solution-focused therapy group designed for caregivers of stroke survivors. Journal of Systemic Therapies, 33(2), 35–49. doi:10.1521/jsyt.2014.33.2.35

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Sonstegard, M. A. (1998). The theory and practice of Adlerian group counseling and psychotherapy. Journal of Individual Psychology, 54(2), 217–250.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Velasquez, M. M., & Ingersoll, K. S. (2006). Motivational Interviewing in groups. Journal of Addiction and Recovery. doi: 10.1300/J384v01n01_03

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Westwood, M. J., & Ewasiw, J. F. (2011). Integrating narrative and action processes in group counseling practice: A multimodal approach for helping clients. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 36(1), 78–93.

Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.

Document: Venn Diagram Template (Powerpoint Presentation)

Use this document to complete this week’s Assignment.

Document: Venn Diagram Exemplar (Powerpoint Presentation)

This document may be used as a guiding example to inform your Assignment. It compares psychoanalytic and REBT, so you should select other theories for your own comparison.

Required Media

Haynes, R. (2014). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges [Video file]. Borderline Productions.

Third program, Evolution of a Group, Segment 1-6 “Lecturettes on Theoretical Approaches”
Laureate Education (Producer). (2018a). Applying counseling theory to group work [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 8 minutes.

In this video, Walden faculty discuss how they apply theory to group work.

Accessible player --Downloads-- Download Video w/CC Download Audio Download Transcript

Applying Counseling Theory to Group Work

Applying Counseling Theory to Group Work Program Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

CYNTHIA BRIGGS: The theory I like to apply to group work is really reflective of the counseling theories that I've embraced on an individual level as well. So I tend to be humanistic and existential. So whenever I run groups, I'm focusing on the relationship between me and my group members and also the relationships of the group members with each other. I'm also always looking for meaning and purpose. So I ask a lot of questions about meaning, purpose, values, what my group members want for the future, and that sort of thing.

I also use a theory called focal conflict theory, which is the theory that Deborah Rubel, my mentor, taught me. And it's all about understanding how the group is operating at almost a subconscious level, the way that when we form groups as people, we make decisions sort of the way a flock of birds will sort of turn on a dime and you don't know how they're communicating with each other. Groups of people do that too. We're always deciding sort of in a silent and unspoken way what's OK and what's not. And so once you start paying attention to how people are interacting with each other and what's not being said, you really start to understand what's happening under the surface of the group as a whole.

TIFFANY RUSH-WILSON: I use a lot of feminist and empowerment therapies in individual work and also in group work. I do the same type of thing, largely because the people in the populations with which I work tend to need that kind of structure and that boost of confidence to try and get out there and flesh out some of those skills and operationalize some of the things they're learning in the group work.

So I work with eating disorders a lot. Of people who have eating disorders often have a difficult time being social, being assertive, taking social risks, or taking any kinds of risks. I use that feminist therapy and that cognitive behavioral feminist therapy to help people be more motivated, to help people be more confident about taking risks.

MATT BUCKLEY: I borrow from a couple of theoretical perspectives. The primary theoretical perspective is existential theory. And that's really based upon just the awareness of what it means to be a human being and how we're faced with choices about how to behave and what sort of meaning we develop about our own experience.

And I think that I believe that existentialism really relates itself very closely to group, because in a group, you are enacting in that here and now of the group what it is that you enact outside of group with others outside. And you may not always be aware of what you're doing, but with a group that is working and

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Applying Counseling Theory to Group Work

committed to helping each other and giving and receiving feedback, people can't really hide from that. And they have choices to make about what they do with the feedback that they receive, both from the group leader and from the group members.

And also Yalom, Irvin Yalom talked about therapeutic factors. And so there's some amazing therapeutic factors out there that are stimulated by group work-- universality, the idea that I'm not the only one that struggles with this. There are others that struggle with that too. I think sometimes people feel really unique and they feel weird. And then they isolate themselves because they feel like they're the only ones that are struggling with a particular problem.

And so meeting other people who share similar struggles I think can really encourage somebody to step forward and to be able to learn from others in a social atmosphere, to be able to have a corrective experience, where instead of being condemned by others, you're actually supported by others.

There are some members who get it toward the end of a group, and they'll say, this is like my family or they'll say, this is a life changing experience for me, or I feel closer to these people than I've ever felt to anyone before, because they feel encouraged. They feel like they can be with someone and trust beyond what they limited themselves around. And it's a very powerful thing to witness.

And I think that's part of the juice that I have when I lead groups is to be able to see people take risks and to benefit from those risks. Not always, but for most of the time, again, with strong group leadership that can really happen.

CHRISTIE JENKINS: The theory I apply most to my group work would be Rogerian. And what that is really the core condition conditions of counseling. So the empathy unconditional positive regard, the genuineness. So you need to have that foundation for the group members to actually trust you and think that what you're saying is important and think that it would be important for their life.

ELIZABETH VENTURA: In individual counseling I use a lot of dialectical behavior therapy. And one component of that is validation. So as a group leader, I find that I have to infuse validation with group members that I'm working with.

So I will find a way to link members together, so that I can show them how to validate. I will use validation as a model for group members to follow with each other and also for them to then take out of the group and apply into the real world setting.

So I would say that a component of a theoretical orientation is absolutely validation. Another component that I would say is gentle confrontation. So I think that in order for people to experience change, they have to understand that sometimes their actions are not congruent with their words. And so as a group

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leader, I'm very active in the process and I'll find a way to help clients see that their actions may not necessarily be congruent with their words.

EVA REED: I would say that for me personally I like to tune in to individuals in the group process. That's really what a group counselor is doing. And so I can't say that I would really ascribe to one particular approach. But if there were anything, I would probably say humanistic. Humanistic counseling is something that comes out for me in group.

And the main reason I would say that is because, from a humanistic perspective, what you're really doing is welcoming people as they are. And that's one of the most important components of group is allowing people to be genuine, welcoming them into the process, to be as they are genuinely in the world.

When you have people who are being honest, genuine, and exchanging ideas and feedback and support for one another, the cornerstone of that really is acceptance. Welcoming people as they are. And what I find as a counselor is that the more that I can embrace people as they are, the more it models an acceptance in themselves. So it gives them permission to accept themselves first. And from my perspective change starts to come from that point forward.

Applying Counseling Theory to Group Work Additional Content Attribution

FOOTAGE: ACFF5A-001_Fixed (Female group therapy session - use camera move at around 16:56:02) Credit Line: Laureate, Inc.

GettyLicense_478379166.mov (People in group talking) Credit Line: Caiafilm / Caiafilm / Getty Images

GettyLicense_478379144.mov (People in group talking) Credit Line: Caiafilm / Caiafilm / Getty Images

GettyLicense_612263808.jpg (People in group talking) Credit Line: Sneksy / E+ / Getty Images

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GettyLicense_155096458.jpg (People sitting in a group) Credit Line: vm / E+ / Getty Images

GettyLicense_154960254.jpg (People sitting in a group) Credit Line: vm / E+ / Getty Images

GettyLicense_157198998.jpg (Person looks sad with other happy people on a couch) Credit Line: [Kris Hanke]/[E+]/Getty Images

GettyLicense_490962732.jpg (People sitting in a group) Credit Line: Maica / E+ / Getty Images

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ACFG3A-009_Fixed (Group Therapy) Credit Line: Laureate, Inc.

ACFG3A-020_Fixed (Group Therapy) Credit Line: Laureate, Inc.

GettyLicense_178598297.jpg (People sitting in a group) Credit Line: [monkeybusinessimages]/[iStock / Getty Images Plus]/Getty Images

GettyLicense_178736564.jpg (People sitting in a group) Credit Line: [monkeybusinessimages]/[iStock / 360]/Getty Images

MUSIC: SC_Light&Bright06_T32 and/or SC_Business01_T41 Credit Line: Studio Cutz

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