Homework: The Planning Stage
Leading a treatment group requires extensive planning by the clinical social worker. Treatment groups are interventions that tend to focus on a particular emotional and/or behavioral issue that is having a negative impact on a person's life. A treatment group differs from a support group or task group because it requires a professional to serve as the leader. The first step in the planning process is to become familiar with the psychosocial issues and behavioral/emotional problems that the members of the group may be experiencing. Then, the clinical social worker should use evidence-based techniques to plan the group that are appropriate for the members. In addition, the clinical social worker must address all of the aspects that are associated with group therapy, such as, membership, the purpose and goals, and monitoring.
Learning Objectives
o Plan a treatment group
Homework 1: Planning a Group
When a client is dealing with several problems at one time, it can be difficult to determine which type of treatment group would be most beneficial. Some types of treatment groups may overlap in addressing certain problems or issues. The literature is helpful in assisting the clinical social worker in determining the type, purpose, and goals of the treatment group.
For this Homework, review the "Petrakis Family" case history and video session.
In a 3 to 4 page paper, describe a treatment group that would help Helen Petrakis in one of the following areas: (i) caregiving, (ii) sandwich generation, (iii) serving as a family member of an individual with addiction.
1) Review and briefly summarize the literature about the social issue that is the focus of your group (caregiving, sandwich generation, or addictions).
2) Write a plan that includes the following elements:
a. Type of treatment group
b. Purpose of the group
c. Membership
d. Method to recruit
e. Composition
f. Size
g. Open/closed
h. Monitoring
Homework 2: Assessing Group Process
A large part of being a social worker is being able to see the strengths in any situation. This characteristic can be described as having a "half full" view on life. As a clinical social worker, it is important to cultivate strength-based skills.
By now, your group should have developed a plan in completing the Group Wiki Project. In your Homework, reflect on your group's process in establishing the group structure (effectiveness of communication), and contracting homeworks as you have chosen the family intervention and developed the literature review.
Describe what you view to be the strengths and weaknesses of your group. What strategies can you implement to assist the group process? Implement one of these strategies and be prepared to reflect on your experience.
Group Process Homework should integrate course concepts related to group process. Homework should demonstrate critical thought when applying course material to your group experience. Support ideas in your Homework with APA citations from this week's required resources
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
a. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
b. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
c. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Learning Resources
Note: To access this week's required library resources, please click on the link to the Course Readings List, found in the Course Materials section of your Syllabus.
Required Readings
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chapter 6, "Planning the Group"
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (Eds.). (2013). Sessions case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
"The Petrakis Family" (pp. 20-22)
Proudlock, S., & Wellman, N. (2011). Solution-focused groups: The results look promising. Counselling Psychology Review, 26(3), 45-55.
Required Media
Walden University. (n.d.). MSW interactive home page [Multimedia].
Note: The "Petrakis Family" video sessions can be viewed using this program resource.