Theoretical Approaches Applied to Group Counseling

Theoretical Approaches Applied to Group Counseling

 

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 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