I really connected with Chapter 13, which outlined different types of problematic group members. I think the the idea of running a successful group can be intimidating, even assuming that all of the members were cooperative and helpful. In class, a lot of our training has centered around how to guide the group through certain types of issues, and group members that monopolize conversations, that are boring to the rest of the group, or members with personality disorders are certainly avenues to which problems in the group could potentially arise. I've always been taught to plan for the worst, hope for the best, and I think that attitude is absolutely useful in this case; I feel grateful that this class and our guest speakers have given us so many contingency plans in the event that our groups go awry, which they almost certainly will at some points.
Also, now that I feel more at ease to speak freely, I need to touch on the group that happened last week. I still have very mixed feelings about our more recent guest lecturer. My reaction, which so many people decided would be a good idea to touch on, was much more intense than I anticipated. I got very angry with him, because I felt as though he was pushing Cameron way too far, and at one point, I literally wanted to jump up and physically come between them. This might have just been a trigger because Cameron is a close friend of mine, and in that moment I felt very protective. Also, I have no idea if he was genuinely interested or if he was just trying to get us riled up for the sake of having a good demonstration. In all fairness, and giving credit where credit is due, it was a very effective demonstration. I think he just managed to trigger us much more than we anticipated. The therapeutic style was also very interesting, but definitely seemed like you need to know exactly what you're doing, given that it really LOOKS like you have no idea what you're doing. I think it would be really great to be able to run the same groups with more or less the same people for years and years. It probably fosters some really important relationships for everyone involved. Plus, it seems like something that may be difficult to establish, but once you do, it can run more or less on autopilot.
Daniel,
ReplyDeleteOverall you have done an excellent job of focusing in on the teachable moments of the mini-trainings and reflecting on skills and approaches you feel most and least comfortable with facilitating. You were one of the brave ones who volunteered to be part of the role play and, on some level, I know it was very challenging. Thanks for volunteering and contributing to the classroom learning environment, although in the end it was a difficult experience. I am glad that you used the blog to discuss your reactions to last week's role play. And because you posted this blog entry just this morning lets me know that it is still a very strong reaction for you. I talked a bit to Cameron after class but didn't get to touch base with you. I believe we need to do a little debriefing this evening--nothing that will put you on the spot but feel free to share or not share as your comfort level dictates. I don't necessarily need you to get into any deep analysis of your role play reaction; however, do think a bit about your reaction and if other concerns where there in addition to your close friendship with Cameron. In other words, would you have had the same reaction to Jordan Price if someone else had cried (or been moved to crying)? All in all, remember it was a role play and the purpose was to demonstrate a technique rather than put students on the spot; however, some discomfort of "role-playing" was experienced by some more than others. Ok, please do stay in touch via the blog if you want to process more!