Mezzo Practice Research Paper

Mezzo Practice Mezzo practice is similar to micro in that they both involve interacting directly with clients. The only difference between micro and mezzo is that while micro involves clients that are essentially one unit, mezzo is with multiple units in groups. Usually these individuals have one commonality that brings them to be part of the group. Group dynamic is a very different dynamic that individual and family dynamics and can at times be unpredictable. One skill that is important to have when working with groups is being able to apply these dynamics to engage the members with each other. Toseland and Rivas (2012) define four dimensions of group dynamic that are important to understand to effectively work with your group. These four
This refers to “how members fit together and are accepted in a group” (Toseland & Rivas, 2012). As groups go along each member starts to fall into their place in the group. Roles and norms arise in the group without members even noticing (Toseland & Rivas, 2012). This is a vital part of group and they “are not able to function effectively unless there is a fairly high level of social integration among members” (Toseland & Rivas, 2012). Social integration is something that affects all types of groups. A group worker should be aware of these roles that arise because it can affect how group members influence each other. Social integration can also give members in the group a sense of purpose within the group. Although social integration is an important part of group, it is also important that group workers make sure that status does not become an issue within the group. Some members may start to feel like lesser members because others have a higher and more respected status in the group, so it is important that goup workers understand when social integration is therapeutic, and when it is
Social workers should be aware of what stages of life their clients may be in and what struggles they may have due to that. In mezzo practice it is important to realize that just because your group may be a similar age group, they are not necessarily all going through the same stage in their lives. A good example of being competent in this is working with older adults. It is important to remember that some older adults start to feel regret as they go farther along in their life. As a social worker it is important to develop skills to work with your client relating to the things that may be going on as a result of their human