Counselling

   Calvary University

 Faculty of Counselling

Group Work —
    A Counseling Specialty

Book Cover

4th Edition

Samuel T. Gladding
0-13-061305-3
Cloth
560 pages
2003


Brief Description

For introductory courses in Group Counseling, Group Therapy, or Introduction to Counseling.

The fourth edition of this highly readable text examines all of the essential skills required to be an effective leader of a variety of groups in a variety of settings. It explores the history of group therapy work, and the development of groups—how they grow, how they change, and how various groups differ. It addresses the specifics of working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. And, it discusses ten prominent theoretical perspectives from which groups can be approached, covering how each theory evolved, how it is practiced, and the results it most commonly achieves. Coverage is bolstered throughout by numerous case examples and exercises that are particularly helpful in translating theory into application.

Features

Numerous charts and tables—Depict stages in group development and key components of group theory.
Provides visual templates for understanding the dynamics of groups.
Summary and Conclusion, Classroom Exercises, and References sections—At the end of each chapter. Focuses student attention on the chapter's overall message, allowing them to self-check their understanding. Guides them to additional information for self-study.
Glossary —Includes all of the specialized nomenclature of group work. Introduces students to previously unencountered terms and phrases that are integral to studying groups.

New to this Edition

NEW - Expanded and reorganized theory section—Improves the alignment of theoretical perspectives and includes new Learning More sections for each theory.
Provides lists of websites and of original sources related to each of the ten covered theories—ideal for term paper topics, discussion questions, and assignments.
NEW - Coverage of working with gay/lesbian/bisexual clients in groups—Included in the diversity chapter.
Gives students a group dynamics perspective on these populations.
NEW - Expanded coverage of the multicultural aspects of group work—Addressed specifically in the diversity chapter, and incorporated throughout the narrative. Ensures students understand the influence of culture, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and other factors on how groups function and what they can accomplish.
NEW - Parallel structure for each group in the life-stage chapters—Addresses type, set-up, leader's role, outcomes, and strengths/limitations.
Facilitates comparison of group dynamics across life-stage groups, and incorporates latest research.
NEW - Over 150 additional references throughout the text. Highlights additional sources of information on text concepts.
NEW - Three new appendices—Offer Association for Group Specialists documents related to best practices, diversity, and training standards.
Acquaints students with accepted standards of the profession and helps them understand likely expectations of their first positions.
NEW - Accompanying workbook—Includes exercises, quizzes, cases, and real group transcripts to help students apply group theory to practice.

Contents

I. HISTORY AND OTHER ASPECTS OF GROUP DEVELOPMENT.

  1. History and Trends of Group Work.
  2. Types of Group Work.
  3. Group Dynamics.
  4. Effective Group Leadership.
  5. Beginning a Group.
  6. The Transition Period in a Group: Norming and Storming.
  7. The Working Stage in a Group: Performing.
  8. Termination of a Group.
  9. Group Work with Culturally Diverse Populations.
  10. Ethical and Legal Aspects of Group Work.

II. GROUPS THROUGHOUT THE LIFE SPAN.

  1. Groups for Children.
  2. Groups for Adolescents.
  3. Groups for Adults.
  4. Groups for the Elderly.

III. LEADING GROUPS FROM A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE.

  1. Psychoanalytic and Transactional Analysis Groups.
  2. Person-Centered and Existential Groups.
  3. Adlerian and Reality Therapy Groups.
  4. Gestalt and Psychodrama Groups.
  5. Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT) and Behavioral Groups.

Appendix A: Association for Specialists in Group Work: Best Practice Guideline.
Appendix B: Association for Specialists in Group Work: Principles for Diversity-Competent Group Workers.
Appendix C: Association for Specialists in Group Work: Professional Standards for the Training of Group Workers.
Glossary.
Name Index.
Subject Index.

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