“Hutchinson's Great Groups is a great text! Any student considering leading groups should first read this book. The author's warmth, empathy, and group leadership experience comes across in very engaging and practical ways. This book puts the reader right beside the author as he discusses leading groups.”
—John Q. Hodges, University of North Alabama
Great Groups is a practical and inspirational guide that serves as a foundational text to creating and leading groups. Designed primarily for the beginning group worker from any of the helping professions, the book also acts as a valuable resource for those with more group experience. Grounded in theory, but with a strong focus on practice and skill development, David R. Hutchinson strives to connect directly with the reader with his personal and engaging writing style and “learn by doing” approach. Following a hypothetical group from start to finish, with a plethora of examples and reflection exercises in each chapter, the book has a threefold purpose:
- to provide the reader with specific tools for creating, understanding, and leading effective groups;
- to help the reader consider the application of theory to practice; and
- to spur the reader to seriously consider making group work a cornerstone of his or her professional practice.
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A Rationale for Group Work
Some Practical Reasons for Leading Groups
Great Groups Can Do Great Things for People
Challenges of Group Work
Group Work in Context: A Brief Historical Perspective
Great Groups in Action: A Case Vignette
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Effective Group Leadership
Characteristics of Effective Group Leaders
Other Key Leadership Ingredients: Kindness, Enthusiasm, and Grit
The Importance of Your Self-Awareness
The Importance of Cultural Awareness
The Importance of Professional--Including Ethical--Preparation
Effective Group Leadership: Leadership Style
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Different Groups for Different Purposes
Process and Content in Groups
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
The Importance of Theory to Your Group Work
Group Development and Dynamics
What People Need in Groups
What People Learn in Groups
What People Can Get in Groups That Become Cohesive
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Counseling Theory and Group Work
Establishing an Ethical Foundation for Leading Groups: Considerations for Leaders
Ethical Considerations Leaders Have for Members
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
The New Group
Other Planning Concerns
Planning for the New Directions Group
Reflection Exercise: Planning for a New Group
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Planning
Concluding Thoughts: Some Final Planning Advice
For Further Thoughts
References
Chapter 7: Getting Your Group Started
Starting a New Group
Essential Tasks: What Needs to Happen in a New Group
Essential Skills for Starting a New Group
Starting the New Directions Group
Reflection and Discussion Exercise: How Would You Start this New Group?
Pitfalls to Avoid in Starting a New Group
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Leading the Engaging Group
The Hallmarks of the Engaging Group: Anxiety, Resistance, and Problem
Essential Tasks for the Engaging Group
Essential Skills for Working With the Engaging Group
Some Specific Suggestions on Using Skills for Problem Behaviors
The New Directions Group Engages
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Great Groups in Action: A Group Vignette
The Group Settles Into Some Regular Norms and Roles
Promoting Positive Norms and Roles: Moving Towards Cohesion
Hallmarks of the Group That Is Performing Well
Essential Skills for the Working Group
The New Directions Group Is Working
What to Do When It Is Not Working
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Using Exercises to Promote Group Cohesion
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
About Endings
The Meaning of Endings
Your Group's Feelings About Ending
Resistance to Ending
Unplanned Endings: Dealing With Dropouts
How to End Your Group
Essential Skills for Ending a Group
Ending the New Directions Group
Reflection Exercise: Ending a Group
Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Planning for Ending
Measuring Success
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Groups for Children and Adolescents
Groups for Women
Groups for Men
Groups for Older People
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Groups for People With Addictions Issues
Groups for People With Serious, Persistent Mental Illness
Groups for People With Issues Related to Violence and Criminality
Groups for Victims of Violence
Groups for Grieving People
Reflection and Group Fishbowl Lab Exercise
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
Staying Healhty
Reflection and Group Fishbowl Lab Exercise: Focused Awareness of Your Various "Selves"
Staying Fresh and Alive - and Avoiding Burnout
Becoming and Effective Advocate and Activist
Concluding Thoughts
For Further Thought
References
KEY FEATURES:
- Students will actually enjoy reading this book. The
author uses his years of experience, including his mistakes, as the foundation
for his communication with readers and instructors. Illustrations help make this
book even more accessible.
-
The importance and use of theory is clearly
articulated and shows students who are often bored or put off by theory how to
use it in a way that makes sense.
- This book prepares new group workers for difficult,
challenging groups by reviewing a number of specialized groups.
- There are a wealth of practice activities for the
instructor, including reflection exercises, group lab practice activities, and
questions for “further thought.”