DQ 2.1: Essential Skills for Group Counsellors
Fourteen basic group leadership skills are listed on page 131 of the textbook; many of these skills are similar to the skills used in individual counselling – the authors call them “basic human relationship skills.” In your day-to-day interactions this week, any time you are in a group (e.g., work, family, social situations) take the time to notice how these skills contribute to the interactions. In this forum, share what you noticed that worked well and that didn’t, and try to explain why. Experiment a bit with some of these skills – share how using them intentionally impacted the group dynamic.
References
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (8th ed.). Cengage Learning. p. 131.
DQ 2.2: Tips for Avoiding Common Mistakes in Groups
In Chapter 12 of the textbook, eight common mid-group mistakes by leaders are identified and several strategies are listed for avoiding those mistakes. Reflect on your own group experiences, as a leader and facilitator. Share examples of strategies that you’ve observed to work well – and examples of problems that could have been avoided through better group facilitation. Look ahead to groups you expect to lead, in your practicum and beyond. What mistake do you believe you’ll have the greatest tendency to make? What strategies will you intentionally use to compensate?
References
Jacobs, E. E., Schimmel, C. J., Masson, R. L. L., & Harvill, R. L. (2016). Group counseling: Strategies and skills (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.
