Advanced Group Counseling Skills

PREREQUISITE:  None

This course is designed to provide both theoretical and experiential understanding of groups, purpose, development, dynamics, leadership, and skills. Emphasis is placed on learning about the group process and techniques through observation, critique, and experiencing a group process. Students will participate as members and leaders of various group settings while developing a leadership style.

UPON COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THE STUDENT WILL BE COMPETENT IN:

• Comprehending the principles of group dynamics (group process, therapeutic factors, roles, and behaviors).
• Developing an understanding of the theoretical foundations of group counseling and group work.
• Comprehending and interpreting stages of group development and the impact of cultural differences on group processes.
• Applying specific theories of practice to group counseling and psychotherapy.
• Developing skills of a good group member, including self-assessment of personal and professional growth.
• Evaluating ethical and professional guidelines for professional group leaders.
• Comparing and contrasting different group leadership styles and approaches while developing group leadership skills.
• Selecting appropriate interventions for members who present common patterns such as fear, anger, and/or violence.
• Selecting therapeutic responses when working with cultural diversity among group members.
• Managing assessments of group members for use in the selection of members for planning specific strategies and techniques.
• Applying appropriate clinical interventions with selected clinical, educational, business, and/or community populations.
• Illustrating proper administrative procedures for group counselors or therapists, including effective documentation.
• Discerning when group counseling is appropriate or is preferred as a treatment modality.
• Effectively using AI to develop group activities and exercises.

ACQUIRED SKILLS:

• Demonstrate group leadership skills
• Assess group processes and dynamics
• Develop a theoretical framework
• Examine various types of groups
• Understand group building processes
• Understand the administration and management of groups