This study examined the effects a 6-week mindfulness group had on 31 college students who were intending to enter helping professions (e.g., nursing, social work, counseling, psychology, and teaching). Group activities included meditation, yoga, a body scan exercise, and qi gong. The group members completed the Perceived Stress Scale, the…

Group literature on co-leaders' experiences and perceptions while leading groups illuminate reflective practice as highly influential to co-leader relationships and performances. Using practical examples grounded by interdisciplinary literature on reflective practice, this article explores and expands dialogue on the complex interplay between…

The purpose of this study was to further understanding of the helping process in groups. Specifically, it examined the relation between counselor facilitating behaviors, client facilitating behaviors, and client self-exploration in groups. The modeling of counselor facilitating behaviors by clients may be a mediating variable between counselor and…

Reviews short-term approaches and strategies for group treatment of emotionally disturbed inpatients. Offers a sample of educational, preventive, and task-oriented treatment in groups as applied to psychiatric patients. (Author/ABB)

Presents results of a study of eight leaderless groups. Findings included a serendipitous forming process, minimal norming, a support system extending beyond the group, a spontaneous and flexible group process, and unresolved issues. Focus and purpose of the groups were found to be the factors that have changed over time. Discusses results in…

There is substantial controversy and conceptual confusion regarding the roles of structure and ambiguity in systems of interpersonal influence. Defined and clarified some of the misconceptions involved in the therapeutic use of structure and ambiguity, discussed structuring processes from a multidimensional framework, and summarized contemporary…

Reviews research indicating that group psychotherapy is an effective adjunctive therapy to medical treatment for women with breast cancer. States that Supportive-Expressive group therapy has been effective in assisting patients in reducing anxiety related to death and dying, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and improving the quality of…

Describes a developmental group training workshop for training experienced counselors to do group counseling. Discusses stages of training including exploration, understanding, and action, which can help counselors learn helping skills for counseling that can often transfer to their own interpersonal lives and interactions with others. (JAC)

Describes the circle group, a highly structured approach used to explore a theme for problem solving, personal growth, and teaching a specific personal growth system. The circle group is recommended for people who are basically mentally healthy. It may include group chanting, sharing of concerns and feedback. (JAC)

One of the basic purposes of counseling is to help clients achieve some kind of behavioral and cognitive change that increases their competence in managing interpersonal relationships. The advantages and procedures for increasing clients' interpersonal skills within the context of a counseling group are discussed in this article. (Author)

Reflects on a meditation that is used with women's groups. Describes its purpose as helping women access their inner source of wisdom and knowledge about their bodies and their lives. The meditation is aimed at ridding women of the question, "What's wrong with me?" Describes participants' comments about their reactions and the benefits…

The relational-cultural model of psychotherapy has been evolving for the past 20 years. Within this model, difficult group dynamics are conceptualized as the playing out of the central relational paradox. This paradox recognizes that an individual may yearn for connection but, out of a sense of fear, simultaneously employ strategies that restrict…

Demonstrates that women who are 50 years old or older and facing divorce benefit from the emotional and informational support provided in a small-group format. Examines a women's center which supplies sponsorship and professional facilitators. (Author/ABB)

Presents the various stages of the group process in terms of developmental tasks that pinpoint the relationship between process and structure. The tasks provide a conceptual foundation for use of group techniques by identifying specific purposes in group development. (Author)

Summarizes that the goal for this issue is to help move the study of women's groups beyond survival and recovery issues to the thriving that can and does occur for women through their participation in women's groups. This collection of articles helps build on a growing body of literature attempting to study women's groups as a phenomena in their…