The author contends that the challenging task facing the professional facilitator of self-help groups is a competent grasp of group theory and a willingness to let the group work independently after organizing it. (Author/HMV)

Social work students conclude from an experience that parents can consider alternative means of disciplining children when they participate in a parent group that is comfortable and when attendance is promoted by provision of tangible services. Parents achieved increased sense of self-worth and learned appropriate ways of expressing anger. (Author)

This article describes one exploratory treatment approach designed to help hostile marital partners reach a point at which each is motivated to solve problems rather than seek revenge. (Author)

A model of service for parents undergoing divorce and considering joint custody of their children is described. The model integrates several intervention strategies, including mediation, group treatment, divorce counseling, and child guidance. The applicability of the model to a range of problems related to divorce and child custody is…

Social work that is involved with community relations for the purpose of addressing "hate violence" acts directed at minorities is an important field of practice. Four types of groups, those composed of community members, victims, perpetrators, and organizational representatives, are described, and the skills needed for effective work with each…

Presents the theoretical, empirical, and practical foundations of a group stress management program to increase clients' effective coping with routine daily stressors. The program provides coping skills training through three components--relaxation training, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training. Discusses implications for social…

There is a growing need for men and women to prepare for a significant period of living after they leave the work force. This article describes a seminar approach using group processes to aid preretirees and retirees. (EJT)

The Talk Time program, which focuses on discussion and encourages children to share their fears and fantasies of the hospital experience, was started at the University of Illinois hospital. It has proved effective as well in teaching hospital personnel about pediatric patients. (Author)

The group was begun to serve a narrowly defined and particularly vulnerable client-- the child grieving for a deceased parent. The author discusses recruiting participants and the group process of dealing with this specific emotional problem. Reactions of young people and the community are mentioned. (Author/BW)

Describes an art-therapy group for latency age girls which was found to be an excellent diagnostic tool in demonstrating the particular behavior that led to each child's peer-related problems. (Author)

When articles on social work with client groups were analyzed a number of shortcomings in the way workers used groups appeared consistently. Although collective effort for changing the clients' environment was clearly needed in many instances, the predominant focus was on changing individual behavior. (Author)

Describes barriers to treatment in an inner city clinic. Suggests ways of improving services including positive reinforcement, group techniques, and the use of existing community systems. (RC)

Examines creation of gay affirmative group model that focuses on unique social, developmental, and psychoeducational needs of lesbian and gay clients who attend psychiatric day treatment. Discusses how these clients' psychosocial potential can be maximized in group that addresses issues related to their sexual orientation including their double…

Increasing attention is being paid to group homes as an alternative form of residential care for adolescents. In the home described here, young people who had been recommended for hospitalization or long-term residential treatment were helped by nonprofessional counselors to deal with their problems successfully. (Author)

Presents a model for a sexual assault survivors' group (SASG), which posits that the aftermath of the sexual assualt can be resolved. Describes issues for leaders, selection of members, setting, format and themes, and group development issues such as bonding, establishing closeness, and letting-go. (LLL)