Introduction
People can discuss their problems with their colleagues in a group therapy setting, who might be able to understand them more effectively. More importantly, since another participant inside the group may have had a similar circumstance and may provide assistance, people can gain knowledge from others who are dealing with comparable issues. In the reflection paper, the observation of three groups is discussed, including SkillzTech, Union Institute and University, and Greater Christ Temple.
Discussion
To emphasize personal reflection, I was eager to learn about and gain experience with group therapy when I started the Group Process and Dynamics course. I have previously appreciated and continue to be interested in the concept of group counseling. Four to ten individuals and two skilled group counselors participate in group or community counseling, which is a type of therapy (Rosidi et al., 2018). Through study and analysis, I have become familiar with the components of a group process. When a group starts and when it is ended, a number of components join together to form the group process. Furthermore, I have watched group norms, group cohesiveness, trust-building, opposition to appearing, conflict arising and being resolved, healing forces, responses of group members, and the numerous stages a group goes through (Corey, 2022). In addition, I was able to develop a conceptualization of groups during this program.
In terms of knowledge, I will obtain from this training awareness of the potential benefits of group counseling for particular people. It has been proven that groups may be an excellent form of therapy and are just as successful as individual therapy. Group counseling is created as a component of a therapy strategy to support and mentor patients through transformation. Group counseling is a flexible method that may be used in many contexts and demographics (Corey, 2022). Moreover, I have had the chance to analyze my personal leadership style, potential problems, and a strategy for developing my skills and abilities in team management as a result of this program.
Concerning the description and analysis of different community-based groups, initially, it is obligatory to introduce them in detail. The first group under examination is called SkillzTech and its location is in Ohio, 6796 N. High St., Suite 130 Worthington, Ohio 43085. The second group is Union Institute and University, Online class meeting Group Work and Therapy, located in Cincinnati, Ohio. Finally, the third group’s name is Greater Christ Temple, located at 701 Sunbury Rd. Columbus, Ohio 43228. In terms of comparison, the nature and purpose of the first and the second groups are identical since they both are related to education and training. In turn, the nature and purpose of the third group are devoted to Sunday morning worship. Considering scheduling aspects, the first group was observed on June 14th 2022, during the time frame 9:00am-12:00pm, whereas the second group was analyzed on June 16th, 2022, within the time period 6:00pm-8:00pm. The third group was observed on June 12th 2022, and the period of the process was 11:00am-2:00pm.
Regarding the major content and themes that came up during the group, as well as personal observations about the group process and notable contributions of group members, it is feasible to highlight several notions. SkillzTech, Ohio, is a 3-hour certification training program for individuals who work in the medical field. Employers utilize SkillzTech to have their employees trained to become medication administrators. In contrast, the second group, as an educational one, explores the study of the basic elements of group process and dynamics as well as strategies and methods commonly used to facilitate group therapy sessions. Therapeutic factors contributing to group effectiveness are covered, as well as the characteristics and practices of effective group leaders. Ten theoretical approaches and key concepts to group counseling will be included, as well as the application of these theoretical models to group work. The historical and cultural context in which these theories were developed, as well as the ethical and professional implications of employing these paradigms in practice are considered. The course in this group includes a practice component requiring ten hours of group counseling participation.
Referring to the group content, contributions, and personal observations connected to the third group, it is possible to state that Greater Christ Temple is a church of “Love and Faith” where everybody is somebody in Jesus, according to the theme. In terms of the general overview, this 3-hour power pack Sunday morning of worship is not similar to other examples. Group members and contributors believe that the Bible is the infallible word of God and that the only true reality in this world is Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior. The individuals believe in the Spirit of Prayer, Praise, and Worship, ushering one into the presence of the Almighty God.
With a concrete focus on the observation of the experiences of group members, in this scenario, the first and the second group are comparable and similar since they were dedicated to educational and training objectives. Both of these groups’ members were able to incorporate individual and team-based activities for their purpose under the aegis of the organizations. The experiences within the third group vary since this community represents a religious group, in which each individual has his inner questions and feelings that are related to the main topic.
In terms of the facilitator and its role, it is initially compulsory to emphasize the need for group facilitation and describe its functional essence. The method of group facilitation involves choosing an individual who is impartial on substantive issues and whose appointment is supported by all group participants (Abadi et al., 2020). The facilitator identifies problems and takes action to assist a group better in how it recognizes and resolves issues and makes judgments, but has no real power to make changes (Abadi et al., 2020). Considering the role of the facilitator in the first group, his name is Danielle Lightener, who is the lead instructor and chief executive officer. His impact was significantly important since the participants of the group were educated and trained in the field of medicine, which requires additional accuracy in procedures and attention.
Concerning the specific case of the second group, the group facilitator and instructor was Dr. Becky Morrissey, PhD, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS. His operational role was related to the monitoring that all the members of the team were able to learn and receive additional knowledge. This information was devoted to the field of how various group processes function and how they are interconnected. Finally, with regard to the third group and its facilitation features, the facilitator and instructor in this situation was District Elder, Pastor Wayne Moore Sr. The topic for this church service was linked to salvation, and the role of the facilitator was to ensure that each participant fully acknowledges his personal contribution to the process. In addition, he attempted to observe and control whether every member possessed a fundamental understanding of the theme.
To underline my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors during the observation, I can state that they were approximately identical in all of the cases and in all of the groups. This was due to the fact that the processes of group counseling are similar and require the cooperation and contribution of every member in all possible situations. From attending the groups, I learned that, for instance, the stages of group development and types of group processes generally could correspond to different types of groups that encompass diversified topics. At the same time, I recognized that leadership styles can substantially vary; for example, the management aspects in the first group and in the third one differ due to the deviation in themes and approaches. I can emphasize the necessity of including individual techniques in group counseling as being effective in the group process and dynamics since every member requires additional attention. Considering the ideas for improving the groups, I would recommend the implementation of final surveys and questionaries in order to gather members’ feedback more accurately.
Conclusion
To summarize, in the following scenario, with a specific emphasis on the observation of the group members’ experiences, the first and second groups are comparable and similar since they were committed to educational and training goals. Under the auspices of the organizations, the members of each of these groups were allowed to include both individual and team-based activities towards their goals. Since the third group is a religious community, there are differences in the experiences among the members since each person there has personal concerns and sentiments about the subject at hand.
References
Abadi, M. H., Drake, C., Richard, B. O., Schweinhart, A., Rychener, D., Shamblen, S. R., & Grimsgaard, S. N. (2020). An evaluation of the facilitator training to implement ‘Taking charge of my life and health’, a peer-led group program to promote self-care and patient empowerment in Veteran participants. Patient Education and Counseling, 103(12), 2489-2498. Web.
Corey, G. (2022). Theory and practice of group counseling (10th Ed.). Cengage Learning.
Rosidi, R., Sutoyo, A., & Purwanto, E. (2018). Effectiveness of reality therapy group counseling to increase the self-esteem of students. Jurnal Bimbingan Konseling, 7(1), 12-16. Web.