I appreciated the consideration of group expectations for leaders to participate in discussion through self-disclosure; this can often be a tricky skill. In most cases, I am comfortable sharing pieces of myself when appropriate but am very conscious to what I would share. Therapy is not about the leader; the “needs and welfare [of the client] come before our own” (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2018, p. 82). In my opinion, my reactions of the here-and-now and commenting on what is going on in the room is powerful. Nevertheless, I do believe there is a time and place for intentional self-disclosure, when it is meaningful and serves a purpose.

An effective strategy to review material is to use a ‘checking-out’ process where all members are encouraged to contribute one main idea that resonated with them. This is also a way they can provide feedback or make suggestion for future sessions. This strategy encourages all member’s participation, event the silent ones.

I worry about leading a mandated group, when members feel forced to participate in group against their will. The video session and workbook made me reconsider my hesitation as there is still an element of choice; members have free will which must be honoured, even in involuntary settings. Corey, Corey, and Hayes (2014) challenged that even when members are mandated to attend, they do have a choice and have the freedom to leave. In these cases, leaders must ensure they present all options, with clearly defined consequences. As demonstrated in the video, even the most unwilling participant can change their perspective of group process. After letting down his guard, George experienced a powerful shift in his connection in the process after he gave himself permission to engage.