| A | B |
|---|
| Outcome Goals | Goals that pertain to behavior changes in the members life such as obtaining employment, improving an interpersonal relationship, maintaining sobriety or feeling greater self-esteem. |
| Process Goals | Goals that are related to the group process. These can help members improve their comfort level in the group and learn to confront members in a more productive manner. Although focusing on these goals can be valuable, it should not be the main focus for any therapy group. |
| What is the ideal group size in counseling and therapy groups? | The ideal therapy group is comprised of five to eight members with the membership remaining constant once the group has begun. Ideally the members would attend voluntarily. |
| Obtaining a Contract | The leader always needs to get a "contract" from an individual when the focus is going to be held on her for any length of time. |
| Why will members share their problems, but not work on them? | History of blaming others; fear of commitment to a plan of action in front of others; Tell stories to gain the sympathy of the group or to have others reinforce their position on an issue. |
| What are some techniques for engaging members? | Members guess what the problem is; Members role play the working member; Creative use of members. |
| In-depth Stationary Round | The working member says something to each member of the group while remaining in his seat. |
| In-depth Movement Round | The member moves around in front of the other members, thus intensifying the experience. |
| Spinning Off | When the focus is being held on one member, the leader should always be thinking about ways to get others involved in either the member's work or in their own work. To get them involved in their own work, the leader will periodically seek comments from them while putting the working member on hold. |
| Working with Individuals Indirectly | Bring up an issue for the group to discuss, in the hopes that the member will open up; Bring up an issue with a particular member, in the hopes that the targeted member will open up. |
| Common Mistakes Made When Leading Therapy Groups | Attempting to conduct therapy without a contract; Not involving the other members; Spending too much time on one person; Spending too little time on one person; Focusing on an irrelevant topic; Letting members rescue each other; Letting the session become an advice-giving session. |
