CAAP 6637 Group Counselling & Process Skills
Critically analyze and reflect upon a series of taped group counselling sessions. Alternatively, describe your observations and what you learned as a result of participating as a group member in a small group activity outside class, approved by the instructor, for a minimum of 10 clock hours over the course of one academic term” (McBride, 2018, p. 3).
Discussion Forum
DVD Reflection
DF week 3: Storming Stage: DF #1: STORMING - TRANSITION STAGE - DEBRIEFING THE WORKBOOK & RELEVANT DVD CLIPS -> Angela's Core: Parallel changes within the group and individual
by Angela Normand - Saturday, 16 June 2018, 12:11 PM
My observation throughout the video is how safety and connection must exist in order to move towards the working phase. Pushing a group through the initial stage into transition without a foundation of safety would be detrimental. Without readiness, the fight, flight, or freeze response would be activated, increasing the potential to cause harm. Knowing this, I am curious how leaders balance these factors when delivering ‘canned’ groups that have a set agenda and content.
I see the transition stage as a phase where vulnerability exists; where shame and self-doubt will surface and must be met with empathy. This was illustrated when Casey voiced her fear of being judged by others. By confronting her fears, she was able to sift through barriers that were preventing her from digging deep to do intensive internal work. Casey demonstrated that when space is held in an atmosphere of compassion and safety, risks can be taken to confront internalized storms and push past fear and shame.
I see a parallel within this stage between the group and the individual. This is a time of transition for the group as a whole but there is also a shift that exists individually. This change requires a “deeper level of trust” (Corey, Corey, and Haynes, 2014, pg. 38) and empathy. I am mindful that at times, empathy can also be risky. It requires a willingness to expose vulnerability and connect by tapping into a place of discomfort in order to see the world from another’s perspective (Wiseman, 1996). This is not always an easy task.
~ Angela
Wiseman, T. (1996). A concept analysis of empathy. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 23(6), 1162-1167. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2648.1996.12213.x
Linking Skills
Reflecting on the DVD, I was drawn to the leader’s ability to apply linking skills within the group by connecting common issues. For example, when Andrew mentioned that Jerry reminded him of his father, making him feel uncomfortable, filling him with fear of appearing weak (Corey, Corey & Haynes, 2014). When members were invited to respond to Jerry’s disclosure, James shared his admiration for Jerry’s consistent display of internal strength. This demonstration of linking enabled members to become actively involved in reflecting on their unique experiences. Through this, they were able to explore a shared therapeutic concern by identifying mutual emotions (Corey, Corey, & Haynes, 2014).
Discussion Forum
DVD Reflection
Angela's Core: Masters of the Dance!
by Angela Normand - Friday, 1 June 2018, 8:24 PM
As many others, I was impressed by the participant’s willingness to share their intimate stories. It was amazing to witness the groups connecting develop and mould into a safe and trusting environment where change became possible (Corey, Corey, & Haynes, 2014). Yalom (1995) determined that empathy and acceptance is a prerequisite to the development of such cohesion (as cited in Marmasosh, Holtz, & Schottenbauer, 2005). Such factors were evident and it was very clear that the members were the most important people in the room (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2018).
The leader’s ability to sit with the intensity of the stories, support, encourage, but also challenge when appropriate was impressive. At the beginning, I found myself anxiously anticipating the leader’s responses and at times, found myself commenting aloud. Recognizing my internal (and external) reactions, I took a moment to pause, ground myself and revisited the series with the intention of listening with curiosity. This allowed me to be more present and attuned to the subtle gestures, facial expressions, and deepened my understanding. At the end of this course, I would like to revisit this same series with a new perceptive - I am curious to know about what my takeaway will be with fresh eyes. I hope to begin to master some of the steps they so brilliantly demonstrated.
Marmarosh, C., Holtz, A., & Schottenbauer, M. (2005). Group cohesiveness, group-derived collective self-esteem, group-derived hope, and the well-being of group therapy members. Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice, 9(1), 32-44. doi:10.1037/1089-2699.9.1.32