Group Intervention Analysis

The following is an illustration of an appropriate application of group interventions, along with, a depiction of group dynamics. The dialogue includes a short portion of a two-hour Straight Ahead group session. Members played various roles you can observe dynamics between individuals who monopolize and passive members, dynamics of members who exhibit closer relationships, co-facilitator interactions, and use of strength-based assessment and solution focused therapy. Mandated clients often present in the precontemplative or contemplative stage of change due to the nature of their referral, thus members purpose is to reduce sentencing rather than seeking treatment. The illustration depicts mandated client group session presenting in the
One issue interesting issue noticed was the dynamics between two group members who not only dominated the session but also displayed a more intimate relationship and creating a sub-group within the group. The social work intern, although, made good use of opening questions geared to the group to engage other members sharing similar experiences, this was brief and subsequently focus remained on the two dominant members. This dominance could pose an issue of alienating other members and impacting the desire of member’s level of social interaction. Improving techniques, the include other members and development of group discussion. Classroom discussion revolved then around, the observation of body language and seating of members, awareness around Matty and Mary’s location in the group setting. In future sessions, addressing this relationship by having members change seats or incorporating an activity that involves
As a facilitator, being self-aware around the understanding that these members are not choosing to attend groups, and therefore some clients may be reluctant to engage in group discussion. However, facilitators should bring any displayed reluctance and resistance back to the group discussion and can be done with open questions. Another team discussed how the social work intern “jumped ahead” and by doing so secluded other members. Here I learned that although yes our focus is on the use of interventions sometimes this is not required to do immediately and found that the social worker immediately jumped into solution-focused techniques. Using the time to allow members just to process content amongst other group members and the social work intern minimizing interjecting the group discussion, particularly when reserved members were speaking, allowing for the development of group