Next up in our foray into the ASWB exam content outline: Group work techniques and approaches (e.g., developing and managing group processes and cohesion). Let's walk through the topic then look at home it might appear on the social work exam.
Group Work
There's lots to say about running groups. The pictured book about group therapy runs over 800 pages. Here are some key techniques and approaches commonly used in social work group work:
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Forming and Structuring Groups:
- Identify the purpose and goals of the group.
- Determine the size, composition, and duration of the group.
- Establish ground rules and expectations for participation.
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Establishing Trust and Safety:
- Create a supportive and nonjudgmental environment.
- Encourage open communication and active listening.
- Address any concerns about confidentiality.
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Building Cohesion:
- Foster a sense of belonging and mutual support among group members.
- Facilitate icebreakers and team-building activities.
- Encourage collaboration and shared decision-making.
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Setting Clear Objectives:
- Define specific, measurable goals for the group.
- Break down goals into manageable tasks and activities.
- Regularly assess progress and adjust objectives as needed.
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Facilitating Communication:
- Use techniques such as active listening, paraphrasing, and summarizing.
- Encourage constructive feedback and expression of emotions.
- Manage conflicts and disagreements respectfully.
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Utilizing Group Dynamics:
- Understand the stages of group development (forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning (more on those terms below)).
- Capitalize on strengths and diversity within the group.
- Balance individual needs with the needs of the group.
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Promoting Empowerment and Participation:
- Empower members to take ownership of their goals and decisions.
- Rotate leadership roles and responsibilities within the group.
- Provide opportunities for skill-building and personal growth.
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Cultural Sensitivity and Competence:
- Respect and honor cultural differences within the group.
- Create an inclusive environment that values diversity.
- Seek to understand and address the impact of cultural norms and values on group dynamics.
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Evaluation and Reflection:
- Regularly assess the effectiveness of group processes and interventions.
- Solicit feedback from group members and stakeholders.
- Reflect on challenges and successes to inform future practice.
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Maintaining Boundaries and Ethical Practice:
- Uphold professional ethics and standards of practice.
- Clarify roles and responsibilities of group members and facilitators.
- Address any ethical dilemmas or conflicts of interest that may arise.
By applying these techniques and approaches, social workers can effectively develop and manage group processes, enhance cohesion among members, and achieve positive outcomes for clients.
Stages of Group Development
The stages of group development, commonly known as "forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning," were originally proposed by psychologist Bruce Tuckman in 1965. These stages describe the typical progression that groups go through as they form, establish norms, work together, and eventually disband. Here's a brief definition of each stage:
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Forming:
- In the forming stage, group members come together and begin to familiarize themselves with each other. They are often polite and tentative, as they try to understand the purpose of the group and what role they will play. This stage is characterized by orientation, testing the waters, and dependence on the leader for guidance and direction.
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Storming:
- During the storming stage, conflicts and disagreements may arise as group members assert their individuality and vie for position and influence within the group. There may be tension, power struggles, and challenges to the group's goals and norms. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial during this stage to navigate through differences constructively.
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Norming:
- As the group resolves conflicts and establishes norms and roles, it enters the norming stage. Group cohesion increases, and members develop a sense of belonging and mutual respect. They begin to collaborate more effectively, communicate openly, and support each other's contributions. Norms help guide behavior and promote consistency within the group.
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Performing:
- The performing stage represents the peak of group productivity and effectiveness. With established norms and roles, group members work together cohesively toward achieving their goals. There is a focus on task accomplishment, problem-solving, and innovation. Trust and autonomy are high, and the group functions as a unified entity, leveraging each member's strengths and expertise.
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Adjourning:
- In the adjourning stage, also known as the "mourning" stage, the group prepares to disband as its goals are accomplished or its duration comes to an end. Members may experience feelings of sadness or loss as they reflect on their shared experiences and relationships within the group. It's an opportunity for closure, celebration of achievements, and planning for future endeavors or farewells.
Understanding these stages can help group facilitators anticipate and address challenges, foster cohesion, and support the group's progress toward its objectives. Additionally, recognizing when a group is transitioning between stages can inform interventions to facilitate healthy development and enhance overall effectiveness.
Yalom-Style Groups
Irvin D. Yalom, a prominent psychiatrist and author, has contributed significantly to the field of group therapy. His approaches and techniques are widely used and respected in mental health settings. Here are some key group therapy techniques developed by Yalom:
These techniques, rooted in Yalom's extensive clinical experience and theoretical insights, contribute to the effectiveness of group therapy interventions in promoting personal growth, emotional healing, and interpersonal connection.
On the Exam
There's so much material about group therapy, it's hard to know what to focus on as you're preparing for the ASWB exam. Questions on the test may look something like this:
- What is the purpose of setting clear objectives in group work?
- What is an effective strategy for managing conflicts within a group setting?
- Which of the following is a key factor in developing group cohesion?
Get practice, get licensed, we like to say. SWTP has five full-length, realistic practice tests standing ready to help you get ready to pass.
April 1, 2024
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