Course Fee: $459 (Canadian currency)
This certificate course in group work skills provides an opportunity for students to develop a comprehensive knowledge of theory and skills that are used by practitioners who work with groups.
Specifically, this course will introduce the student to:
The dynamics and skills which are unique to group work; the features and challenges encountered at the early, transitional,
middle and final stages in the normal life of a group; theoretical approaches that are popular today (the Adlerian
approach, the Cognitive-Behavioural approach and the Brief Solution-Focused Approach).
We also teach and use the skills associated with Egan’s The Skilled Helper Model.
There is no prior knowledge or experience required to embark on this rewarding certificate course. You are free to commence at a time that suits your schedule – and then continue at your pace for a period of six months. Full tutor support is provided for this course.
SYLLABUS
Module 1: Introduction to Groups
Topics Studied
• Therapeutic and counselling groups
• Psycho-educational Groups
• The Task, or Working, Group
• Groups for different ages
• Multicultural considerations
• The qualities of a Successful group leader
• Essential group leadership skills
• Skills for opening and terminating sessions
• Reflective skills practice
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Distinguish between counselling and psycho-educational groups
• Describe some multicultural considerations when working with groups
• Propose the qualities of a successful group
Module 2: The Early and Transition Stages of Groups
Topics Studied
• Stage 1: Pregroup issues – Formation of the group
• Different types of groups
• Dealing with some practicalities
• Stage 2: Initial stage – Orientation and exploration
• Tasks that shape the group
• The central importance of developing trust
• Additional roles of the group leader
• Stage 3: Transition stage – Dealing with resistance
• Dealing with defensiveness
• Brushing Up on skills: Effective listening
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• List the distinguishing attributes of the early stages of a group
• Affirm the central importance of trust
• Debate different ways of dealing with resistance
Module 3: The Working and Final Stages of Groups
Topics Studied
• Stage 4: Working stage – Cohesion and productivity
• Stage 5: Final stage – Consolidation and termination
• Stage 6: Post group issues – Evaluation and follow-Up
• Tuckman’s stages of group development
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Discuss the importance of group cohesion
• Communicate the leader’s contribution at the working stage
• Clarify issues related to terminating groups
Module 4: The Adlerian Approach and Psychodrama
Topics Studied
• Key concepts in the Adlerian approach
• The stages of the Adlerian group
• Using psychodrama in groups
• The roles of psychodrama
• The phases of the psychodrama process
• Therapeutic techniques and processes
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• List the key concepts of the Adlerian approach
• Sketch the basic roles of psychodrama
• Critique the phases of the psychodrama process
Module 5: The Cognitive-Behavioural Approach and the Brief Solution-Focused Approach
Topics Studied
• The cognitive-behavioural approach
• The stages of a cognitive-behavioural group
• Addressing errors in thinking
• Therapeutic techniques and processes (the cognitive-behavioural approach)
• The solution focused approach
• The stages of solution building
• Therapeutic techniques and processes (the cognitive-behavioural approach)
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• List Beck’s “Errors in Thinking”
• Describe the key defining features of the solution focused brief approach
• Recommend when and how to use the miracle question
Module 6: Turning Problems into Opportunities
Topics Studied
• Introduction: Problems versus opportunities
• Addressing potential problems
• Case studies
• Some ways of intervening in groups
• The learning process
• Potential problems in learning
• The learning efficiency matrix
• Identifying your learning style
Learning Outcomes and Summary of Objectives
Upon successful completion of this learning module, the student should be able to:
• Explain how to handle a situation where a member is being victimised by the group
• Discuss how to deal with a situation where a member is monopolising the group
• Recommend occasions where the group leader should actively intervene in the group
Suggested textbook for the course (to be purchased by the student)
Corey, G. (2023). Theory and practice of group counseling. (11th Ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.