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)

The effects of a career group experience on the vocational maturity of theoretically grouped college freshmen and sophomores were investigated using Super's Career Development Inventory as the dependent measure. Results indicated that students significantly increased their vocational maturity as a result of the group experience. (Author)

Purposes of the group counseling experience are to accept the aging process as a natural consequence of living, to promote understanding that a positive attitude toward aging can increase chances of enjoying later years, to provide members with information about community resources, and to develop a support system. (Author)

Discusses a variety of approaches to group work with children. A table identifying key elements is presented. To make the group a productive vehicle for helping children the counselor must use a leadership style that blends meaningful material with an appropriate degree of verbalization and activity. (Author)

A model is presented that counselors in small groups may use to improve students' test-taking skills and motivation and to enhance students' self-knowledge and decision-making ability through better test interpretation. (Author)

Investigates whether selected secure-insecure characteristics ascribed to early recollections (ERs) are related to facilitative functioning within a group in the areas of empathy and genuineness. Results indicate they are not related. (Author)

Upward Bound, one of the relatively few examples of residential programs for adolescents conceptually based in developmental rather than treatment or conventional goals, is described to provide another view of child care roles and responsibilities. (MS)

Reports on the use of group therapy to support boys (N=11) during and after the termination of parental rights. Results indicate that therapy effectiveness varied with the boys' ages and the presence or absence of an identified peer leader. Setting an end date for therapy heightened therapeutic work in the final meetings. (RJM)

Discusses a project developed to gain understanding of the experiences of people suffering from a chronic pain condition with no visible symptoms. Results suggest that narrative approaches helped participants find their own strengths and means of coping and helped them find identities other than as patients. (RJM)

Focuses on patterns of communication by members and leaders during episodes of conflict and how these patterns related to group development. Analyzed communication of two small groups that met for 12 weeks. Results indicate that integration and differentiation from systems theory are key elements of the group development process. (RJM)

Describes a solution-focused debriefing group model for adult survivors of violence, which integrates Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) and solution-focused counseling techniques. Discusses how to debrief team members, group size, the seven stages of CISD, and solution-focused debriefing group techniques. (RJM)

Reports on node-link mapping--a method for visually representing ideas, feelings, and actions. Examines counseling session evaluations collected from probationers at a residential substance abuse treatment facility. Results indicate that participants rated sessions featuring more extensive mapping as being deeper and as involving more group…

Presents a seven-session group format, based on Native American principles, which can be used with children and adolescents to develop dimensions of self-esteem, self-determination, body awareness, and self-concept. Describes the unity model, lists practical considerations, and gives a brief description of each of the seven sessions. (RJM)

Presents solution-focused groups as a promising approach based on the results of a comprehensive study (N=68 counselors). Included is an overview of the approach with group session descriptions and case illustration. Includes two appendices titled "Prescreening and Sessions Outline," and "Subscales of the Index of Personality…

A four-week experiential group for women at the British Columbia Cancer Agency offers the creative tools of art, meditation, and journal writing to help focus the inner work of healing in the presence of others. Using comments from the participants, a brief history, framework, and overview are outlined. (Contains 24 references.) (GCP)