Strengths And Weaknesses Of A Group Facilitator

There are also goals that I have for myself as a group facilitator as I analyze my strengths and weaknesses as a group facilitator. My entry level skills as a group facilitator include a grasp on active listening, clarifying, facilitating and initiating. These skills are defined by Corey et al. (2013), as all containing multiple components with knowledge and practice in all parts in order to be considered competent. There are many parts of these skills that I feel comfortable in my ability to use, but each skill could be expanded and practiced on as I facilitate the group.
Active listening is defined as the basis of counseling and includes listening to more than just what words are being spoken and group by emphasizing nonverbal communications such as body language (Corey et al., 2013). In individual counseling, I have a decent grasp on these nonverbal communications and have been noticing nonverbal communications such as body language and tone of voice in other group members as I have been participating. However, I find it difficult
Components I feel confident in of facilitation include creating a climate of safety and acceptance in the group so members can trust one another, involving as many members in the group as possible by inviting and challenging members to participate, as well as working towards lessening dependency on group leader by encouraging dialogue between group members (Corey et al., 2013). However, the skill of facilitating encompasses many more facets that I am not comfortable with using including helping members overcome barriers, assisting members to openly express fears and expectations, and providing encouragement as members explore highly personal issues. All of these components of facilitation are areas in which I will need to become more competent in and will have the chance to explore and practice in my group