2025 /2026
BLOCKING - (Being able to intervene effectively, without attacking anyone, when members engage in
counterproductive behaviors). Intervening to stop counter productive group behavior
EMPATHIZING - (Intuitively sensing the subjective world of others in a group, being able to adopt the
frame of reference of others, and communicating this understanding to clients so they feel
understood). The aim is to foster trust in the therapeutic relationship; to communicate
understanding; to encourage deeper levels of self-exploration.
EVALUATING - (Appraising the ongoing group process and the individual and group dynamics). The
aim is to promote better self-awareness and understanding of group movement and direction
FACILITATING - (Helping members clarify their own goals and take steps to reach them). Opening up
clear and direct communication within the group; helping members assume increasing responsibility
for the group's direction
GIVING FEEDBACK - (Providing information to members in such a way that they can use it to make
constructive behavior changes). Expression of concrete and honest reactions based on observation of
members' behaviors
GOAL SETTING - (Being able to work cooperatively with members so that there is an alignment
between members goals and leader goals, being able to assist members in establishing concrete
goals). Planning specific goals for the group process and helping participants define concrete and
meaningful goals
INITIATING - (Demonstrating an active stance in intervening in a group at appropriate times).
Promoting participation and introducing new directions in the group
REFLECTING FEELINGS - (Mirroring what others appear to be feeling without being mechanical).
Communicating understanding of the content of feelings; letting members know that they are being
heard and understood beyond the level of words
SUGGESTING - (Offering information or possibilities for action that can be used by members in
making independent decisions). Offering advice and information, direction, and ideas for new
behavior
, RISK and Benefits of Group Work? - RISKS: Emotional de-compensation, personal conflicts,
Confidential violation, culture conflicts. Benefits = Development of problem solving skills, learning of
others experiences, self-confidence, feeling connected, need to be ethical and let them know that
the groups are here to help and make things better, a sense of family
Informed consent p. 45 - A process that begins with presenting basic information about group
treatment and members to enable them to make better decision on whether or not to enter and
how to participate in groups. Establishes trust and allows to clarify rules and keeps confidentiality.
ENCOUNTER GROUPS - Occurs when individuals connect with one another in a meaningful and
authentic way. The encounter occurs in the context of the here-and-now, regardless of whether the
enactment relates to a past event or to an anticipated future event. It involves great degree of both
directness of communication and self-disclosure. There is great power in encountering. It is more
effective than merely reporting an incident. (Corey p. 193). Psychodrama
GROUP COUNSELING vs. GROUP THERAPY - GOALS!
GROUP THERAPY - Deals with specific goals of remediation, treatment or personality reconstruction;
its more targeted/focused
GROUP COUNSELING - Focus on growth, development enhancement, prevention, enhancement, and
releasing blocks (emphasis is on discovering internal resources of strength.) Counseling can be more
vague.
Psychotherapy Groups - addressing past experiences and how they relate to the present
Self-Exploration Groups - Thoughts, feelings, motivations and behaviors and asking the big WHY's?
For example, why is there this area of struggle?
By experiencing your own cautiousness, resistances, fears, and uncomfortable moments in a group,
by being confronted and by struggling with your problems in a group context, you can experience
what is needed to build a trusting and cohesive group. (Corey, p. 65)
TASK GROUPS - •aims to foster accomplishing identified work goals. Task facilitation groups are
designed to assist task forces, committees, planning groups, community organizations, discussion