Leading groups can be challenging and difficult. Leading groups in which members are involuntary and negative increases the level of difficulty and creates new dynamics in the group leading process. This article proposes specific skills and strategies for dealing with three specific issues related to involuntary members in groups: groups where all…

The mirror is often used as a metaphor in the therapeutic literature to explain how we see and experience ourselves through others. An examination of therapeutic mirrors, real and figurative, precedes a discussion of mirroring in group process. The reflections of self encountered by a group member in the group as a whole, in a fellow group member,…

Examines interpersonal feedback, a process that influences the development of therapeutic factors. Theorizes that, through the use of feedback interventions, group leaders can facilitate positive growth among group members. Presents a number of interventions that leaders may use to facilitate giving, receiving, and using feedback messages in a…

The dynamics of perfectionistic thinking as a cognitive style among beginning group leaders are discussed. Suggestions for dealing with the potentially destructive aspects of perfectionistic thinking patterns are also outlined. (Author)

Through the voices of prominent practitioners, this article explores the ways group leaders create a sense of community in their groups and, in turn, become part of a professional community. Group leaders' personal transformations have led to social changes in their group work and interpersonal lives. (Author/MKA)

The process-observer method of group training was evaluated. Disruption of group content and process was found to be less with the use of a process observer than with an observer. Process observers found the experience useful for their development as group leaders. Results and future directions are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Examined effects of preparer (leader versus other personnel) and modality (group versus individual) on expectations about therapy, anxiety, group and individual functioning, and leader functioning in group therapy preparation program. Findings from 32 graduate students revealed that preparation can have positive effect on clients' beliefs,…

Transpersonal group psychotherapy is a carpet of theory, technique, and experiences woven from threads of contemporary psychology, mysticism, and a perennial philosophy many centuries old. Introduces the basic concepts of transpersonal group psychotherapy, proposes a model of transpersonal group psychotherapy, discusses the training of…

Complicated issues arise when a group leader resumes practice after suffering a disability. The author, a nurse psychotherapist/researcher with a doctoral degree, director of nursing research at a veterans' hospital, and a psychodynamic practitioner in private practice, suffered a major stroke. The author felt extremely vulnerable and struggled as…

Presents a model of how clients are helped in group counseling. Integrates the concepts of group therapeutic components and group developmental stages. Discusses leader behaviors that promote the action of the therapeutic components. Describes group interaction and leader behavior at each of five group stages and at termination. (Author/ABB)

Describes a method for training group leaders in ethical decision making using the Association for Specialists in Group Work's ethical guidelines, case vignettes, and Carkhuff's three goals of helping. (Author/BL)

Describes how group leaders can improve therapeutic outcomes by understanding the importance of hope as a curative factor, and by learning specific strategies for its installation in counseling groups. (Author/KS)

A group counseling contract was developed following American Psychological Association ethical guidelines. The contract was effective in enabling participants to quickly become involved in group process. The contract could be modified for use by group facilitators in a variety of settings. (Author)

Examined effects of leader versus member deliverer status, member defensiveness level, and group development stage on corrective feedback acceptance among 36 graduate students in counseling who participated in training groups emphasizing counseling skill development and personal growth. Although measures of acceptance discriminated between levels…

Group co-leaders' descriptions of their experiences and perceptions of each other as they led groups together illuminated competency concerns as a factor that strongly influenced their relationships and performance. Based on their narratives, group co-leaders' perceptions of their ability to form intimate relationships and beliefs regarding their…