Assignment
Grief counseling is a very broad topic. You will need to narrow both the population and the presenting problem a bit further when developing your group. For example, it will be important to think about the nature of the grief/loss you may focus on in your group (death of a spouse, child, extended family member, etc). Additionally, there are a lot of group plans out there that focus on grief and loss. It is important to develop your own plan and not simply copy one that is already in place.
Key Performance Indicator Assignment: Group Counseling Plan
You are required to choose a group counseling topic you would like to research and for which you will develop a six-week group framework plan. The instructor must approve your topic in advance.
Sample topics could include:
1. Grief counseling
2. Self-esteem building
3. Conflict resolution
4. Social skills
5. Interpersonal communication
6. School achievement skills
7. Decision making (college/career focus)
8. School transitions
9. Addictions
10. Parenting education
Your counseling plan needs to specify the population for whom the group is tailored. You also need to include relevant research regarding effective small group intervention plans for this topic and population. You will then design (in outline form) a 6-week, small group counseling plan based on this research. You are required to submit the assignment in written form. Your written paper needs to follow the outline form below. Please make sure you address each point in the outline.
Instructions: The outline of this group counseling plan will include the following sections:
I. Introduction
a. Is this topic more appropriate for small or large group? Highlight why individual counseling wasn't chosen.
b. What is your specific population of focus for this group? (e.g., court mandated clients, children who have lost a loved one, adolescents with school difficulties, couples, etc.)
II. Characteristics of Group Leaders
a. What group leader characteristics are necessary for successful group facilitation?
b. How does the type and formulation of the group impact your group leader selection and facilitation?
III. Culturally Relevant Strategies for Designing and Facilitating Groups
a. How do cultural and diversity factors impact development and facilitation of your group?
b. What steps have you taken to insure these strategies are in place?
IV. Research
a. What does the research suggest as effective interventions for this population?
b. What does the research show was ineffective for working with this population?
V. Group Counseling Plan
a. Clearly outline at least 6 sessions for the group
b. Include the following for each session:
i. Objectives for each session
ii. Materials needed for each session
iii. Step-by-step instructions for leading the lessons, including process questions the leader should ask with the activities
iv. Any additional materials (e.g., worksheets, handouts) the leader will need
VI. Recommendations
a. In addition to the group, what (if anything) should the counselor do to ensure that the client's needs are met in this topic area?
b. What would you recommend to counselors planning to lead this group?
VII. References
a. APA style is required
b. At least 5 professional references must be used (no websites or self-help books)
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.