Week 2

            One thing that the reading provided in terms of planning a group is hints about the process of selecting the constituents for each group you facilitate.  Yalom talks about how deselection is much more effective and time-efficient than pure selection.  Even though this method seems slightly harsh, it does make a lot of sense.  Instead of trying to find all these people to fit into a certain mold, you can simply remove people that do not fit the characteristics.  I think this method would also give you more options and allow you to be as specific or general as you need to be when forming a group.

            A second useful tip I learned was the idea of having a preparation session for clients before the group begins that involves more than history-taking and all of the usual questions.  When I was in group therapy, the facilitator began by extensively screening me and my objectives as well as giving me an overview of how the group would operate and rules to follow.  Unfortunately, that specific group never came to fruition, but I felt, after that, that I would be very comfortable within the group.  Or, I at least felt prepared for what was in store if the group ever happened.  I think this is a great way to foster comfort and trust, which are very important for group members, before the group even begins.

            One aspect that seems very daunting when I consider facilitating my own group work is the chance of my participants dropping out.  Even though high drop out rates are fairly common, and there are a number of reasons for participants to do so, I can’t imagine that I wouldn’t take it personally if my group began to shrink.  Actually, I have been told many times by many professional social workers that very often, things might not work out for your clients, and you may have to fail many times before you gain success with a client.  The idea of this is understandable, because there are always going to be a number of factors at play. However, I can imagine that, if I’m not prepared to take some hits, I could take that pretty hard.  Perhaps my attitude will have to adjust if and when participants drop out of my groups.  As long as I feel that I am doing the absolute best job I can do, then I’ll just have to roll with the punches.