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)

The Challenge Process is a problem-solving strategy for groups of four to six participants to assist group counseling clients in translating self-understanding into appropriate behavioral changes. This three-step process (challenge, brainstorming suggestions, and contract) is described and illustrated with examples from a "Stress and the…

Using a Bales-type observational system to code behaviors of two psychotherapy groups, sessions were statistically clustered according to their behavioral similarity. These clusters were compared to identify distinct phases of development. Although similarities were found, it was shown that different groups develop differently. (Author/BL)

The group leader who uses communication exercises without an adequate rationale may be taking unnecessary risks and jeopardizing the effectiveness of the group. This article presents a rationale for using communication exercises in groups for the purposes of initiation, facilitation, and termination and describes the means by which they are…

This present investigation attempted to assess the effects of a group counseling approach on students of low self-esteem. The results reported by the BRF indicate that by roleplaying typical conflict situations, children learned to cope better with themselves and their environment. (Author)

A community-based group counseling program for offenders in St. Paul, Minnesota, has had promising results--both in rehabilitation and crime prevention. (Author)

Treatment of married couples in groups by one therapist is described. Emphasis is placed on the fact that treatment problems and process in such groups are quite different from therapy groups in which the participants are not related outside the group and on the need to differentiate between couples' groups according to social and chronological…

While not a panacea, group counseling does appear to be an effective tool for increasing the motivation of underachievers. However, it is possible that the attention offered the students, rather than the counseling accounted for their improved behaviors. (CJ)

Group leaders frequently encounter a reluctance among members to talk about their problems in the group. Simple well-known exercises can be used to elicit successive approximations of the desired group behavior. The leader then uses reinforcement and other techniques to strengthen, maintain, and generalize the behavior elicited by each exercise.…

Proposes a typology promoting a conceptual model that addresses the increased demand for use of group processes, continued effectiveness of leadership training programs, research issues regarding basic group dynamics, and generic models designed for the increased understanding of the myriad of group forms across the group spectrum. (Author)

Three couples, parents of underachieving high school students, and three counselors participated in a fifteen hour marathon counseling session. This session followed a year of weekly group counseling meetings of 1-1/2 hours duration. The marathon session was video-taped and the results were examined by the counselors. Six stages of group…

A group approach to dealing with stress is the basis for a series of workshops outlined in this paper. The stress management program materials, especially suitable for those in the helping professions, identifies the nature and causes of stress, and uses group supports to target and work to change counter-productive stress-related behaviors. The…

This proceedings contains selected papers from the first International Adventure Therapy Conference. The papers reflect a wide range of ideas about what constitutes adventure therapy and how it should be conducted. Presenting an array of international perspectives, programs, and practices, the papers expand the current literature, which has come…

While the Hill Interaction Matrix was developed as a research instrument to assess interview process, it is also generally useful in any undertaking requiring the evaluation of verbal interaction and, hence, can be used as an aid in modifying communication in order to increase its therapeutic effect. The Hill Interaction Matrix with accompanying…

This practicum was designed to increase parent awareness of the importance of family play interaction and to foster parents' ability to demonstrate these playskills as a couple and within the family. Questionnaires and personal interviews confirmed the need for more information on the importance of play and of age-appropriate play skills. A…