This article reports results of a study that tracked growth factors in experiential training groups through Tuckman's conceptual framework of group development using Critical Incidents methodology and quantitative description. We sought to explore whether different growth factors varied in salience over the course of each of the groups' life and…

The authors explored the impact of a nine-week group experience on counselor-trainees by analyzing their weekly mind maps using consensual qualitative research. The participants' subjective, inner experiences revealed through the mind maps are shared. Implications for group work and counselor education, and recommendation for future research, are…

The authors use qualitative content analysis to examine common pedagogical practices in master's level group counseling classes. The results suggest a focus on knowledge rather than skill outcomes, an emphasis on experiential and didactic methods of instruction, and a heavy emphasis on written assignments as the evaluation method. Implications for…

The purpose of this introductory article is to provide a context for how experiential growth groups are typically used to train counselors, to preview the contributions in this issue, and to suggest future directions for researching and implementing such groups.

This article updates and adds to the literature about problematic counselors-in-training, specifically centered on the requisite experiential group component in the Association for Specialists in Group Work Professional Training Standards (2000) and CACREP (2009) curriculum. The authors review the literature regarding problematic behavior, present…

A total of 330 members of the American Counseling Association were surveyed to determine current group training models in counselor education. The results indicate: (1) the most common model is to have a full-time faculty member both instruct the group work course and facilitate the experiential group, (2) ethical concerns do negatively impact…

Effective group leaders possess specialized counseling skills and abilities; however, attention to group leadership training appears to be lagging behind that of individual counseling. In this phenomenological study we explored group leaders' perceptions of their training and experience. Twenty-two professional counselors participated in…

Conducted national survey of counseling programs to identify various models and safeguards currently employed by counselor educators in preparing group counselors and to evaluate how consistent they are with professional associations' ethical standards. Findings from 272 academic units revealed that counselor educators were using experiential…

Examines the issues surrounding counseling students' participation in personal growth groups and describes a model that maximizes student's experiential participation while safeguarding their right to privacy and informed consent. Addresses important ethical issues that arise when an instructor is also a group leader, and other issues of concern.…