Reference no: EM133600247

Discussion Post: Mezzo Groups Skills

Introduction

How comfortable do you feel sharing intimate moments of your life with a group of complete strangers?

In order for groups to be successful, preparation is needed to develop and structure a group to create a safe space. Sometimes, the most thorough plans fall through-for example, no one shows up. Further, running groups presents different challenges compared to working with individuals. Consider the obvious: There are many more people to work with at one time. But also consider how that challenge may also be a benefit. How might your group benefit from the interaction of its members both with you and with each other?

This week, you analyze challenging behaviors in groups and the skills to address those behaviors. You also take the second quiz in this course to demonstrate knowledge you have gained through application to case study videos.

Learning Objectives

I. Analyze group roles
II. Analyze social work practice skills to address challenges in groups
III. Apply social work concepts to social work practice scenarios

Social Work Practice with Groups

Group work offers many benefits that cannot be achieved through individual therapy alone. The most obvious benefit is group member validation. The knowledge that you are not alone and are not the only person who has experienced that particular issue can foster a strong sense of hope.

However, groups also present challenges from different personalities and behaviors that disrupt group dynamics and function. As a social worker, you will need to take different roles to manage the challenges in order to create a safer space for clients to engage in their work.

In this Discussion, you describe a group you may be interested in facilitating and potential challenges you may experience. With colleagues, you discuss how to apply specific intervention skills to address the challenges.

Post a response to the following:

I. Compare task groups versus educational, support, or skills groups.

II. Describe a type of treatment group you would facilitate as a social worker.

III. Explain what professional role you may take when facilitating this group.

IV. Describe what is meant by group norms, and explain how you would help shape these norms based on your role in the group.

V. Explain what is meant by group roles. Identify at least one group role, and explain why a group member may take that role.

VI. Describe a group member role that might be most challenging to you as a group leader, and explain why.