Group Counseling: Effective Techniques

Group Counseling: Effective Techniques

According to Corey (2014), using group counseling can be particularly effective because it encourages people to 'open up' about intimate issues when they see others doing so. A group setting can provide additional support for members that might be lacking in a one-on-one situation. A strong leader is often necessary to facilitate the creation of such a supportive group, however. During the forming stage of a counseling group, the leader will need to help break down emotional barriers. During the storming or period where group relationships are in flux, the leader will help members establish their roles and ensure that civility is preserved. During the norming phase, the group begins to attain a stage of functionality and can support one another while during the performing stage the group can act more autonomously, with the leader providing less obvious guidance. However, even if group leaders are not as ostentatiously present as they are during the first stages of formation, they must still make their presence known: good leaders are good listeners and need to set a strong example for other members of the unit.

According to Jacobs (2012), it is particularly critical for the leader to step in during the middle stages of group development to exercise direction over his or her members. One example of an effective approach to leadership during the more volatile middle stages include issuing progress reports, which helps the group members appreciate during difficult times how far they have come from their first tentative beginnings (Jacobs 2012: 265). These can be reviewed for five or ten minutes before addressing new material and can provide a useful springboard for discussion.

Another helpful technique is introducing topics. Although this sounds like a very simple suggestion, at times group leaders may forget the fact that those whom they are leading may be shy or uncertain of their purpose. By reminding members of their collective goal the leader can enable the group to break an impasse (Jacobs 2012: 265-266). Introducing topics can also be used to direct the group's attention away from controversial issues. Sometimes more formal stimulating exercises, such as group decision-making activities, scenarios, and trust games are required to create and facilitate group bonds and break through final emotional barriers (Jacobs 2012: 266). Group members can also be given outside 'homework' to enable them to function more effectively.