Chapter 1: An Invitation to Group Work
A Rationale for Group Work
Some Practical Reasons for Leading Groups
Great Groups Can Do Great Things for People
Group Work in Context: A Brief Historical Perspective
Great Groups in Action: A Case Vignette
Chapter 2: Becoming a Great Group Leader
Effective Group Leadership
Characteristics of Effective Group Leaders
Other Key Leadership Ingredients: Kindness, Enthusiasm, and Grit
The Importance of Your Self-Awareness
The Importance of Cultural Awareness
The Importance of Professional--Including Ethical--Preparation
Effective Group Leadership: Leadership Style
Chapter 3: The Varieties of Groups
Different Groups for Different Purposes
Process and Content in Groups
Chapter 4: Putting Group Theory Into Practice
The Importance of Theory to Your Group Work
Group Development and Dynamics
What People Need in Groups
What People Learn in Groups
What People Can Get in Groups That Become Cohesive
Chapter 5: Laying the Foundation: Developing Theoretical and Ethical Competency
Counseling Theory and Group Work
Establishing an Ethical Foundation for Leading Groups: Considerations for Leaders
Ethical Considerations Leaders Have for Members
Chapter 6: Planning for a New Group
Planning for the New Directions Group
Reflection Exercise: Planning for a New Group
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Planning
Concluding Thoughts: Some Final Planning Advice
Chapter 7: Getting Your Group Started
Essential Tasks: What Needs to Happen in a New Group
Essential Skills for Starting a New Group
Starting the New Directions Group
Reflection and Discussion Exercise: How Would You Start this New Group?
Pitfalls to Avoid in Starting a New Group
Chapter 8: Your Group Is Engaging
Leading the Engaging Group
The Hallmarks of the Engaging Group: Anxiety, Resistance, and Problem
Essential Tasks for the Engaging Group
Essential Skills for Working With the Engaging Group
Some Specific Suggestions on Using Skills for Problem Behaviors
The New Directions Group Engages
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice
Chapter 9: Leading the Working (Norming-Performing) Group
Great Groups in Action: A Group Vignette
The Group Settles Into Some Regular Norms and Roles
Promoting Positive Norms and Roles: Moving Towards Cohesion
Hallmarks of the Group That Is Performing Well
Essential Skills for the Working Group
The New Directions Group Is Working
What to Do When It Is Not Working
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Using Exercises to Promote Group Cohesion
Chapter 10: Ending Your Group
Your Group's Feelings About Ending
Unplanned Endings: Dealing With Dropouts
Essential Skills for Ending a Group
Ending the New Directions Group
Reflection Exercise: Ending a Group
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Planning for Ending
Chapter 11: Groups Across the Life Span
Groups for Children and Adolescents
Chapter 12: Specialized Groups
Groups for People With Addictions Issues
Groups for People With Serious, Persistent Mental Illness
Groups for People With Issues Related to Violence and Criminality
Groups for Victims of Violence
Groups for Grieving People
Reflection and Group Fishbowl Lab Exercise
Chapter 13: Final Thoughts: Taking Care - The Personal and Political
Reflection and Group Fishbowl Lab Exercise: Focused Awareness of Your Various "Selves"
Staying Fresh and Alive - and Avoiding Burnout
Becoming and Effective Advocate and Activist