Group Theory and Practice

Catalog description

Group Theory and Practice (GTP) focuses on theory and practice with groups, with a particular emphasis on task groups, psychoeducational groups, skill development and remediation groups, and mutual aid groups. The overarching goal of GTP is to develop culturally competent social work generalist practitioners who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to practice ethically with groups in diverse social work practice settings. This course is structured to include pre-recorded lectures to be viewed before class, and discussion and experiential laboratory learning in the class session. In addition to watching the pre-recorded lectures, there is also considerable preparation time required before each class session, and students develop weekly reflections after each session. The lab portion will consist of student participation in a live mutual aid group / task group regarding their experiences in the social work program and will provide the opportunity for students to practice group work skills and receive constructive feedback from the instructor and peers. Major social work approaches to practice with groups, such as stages of group development, group roles and norms, group leader's varying roles will be introduced to frame students' learning in this approach to social work practice. Skills for beginning practitioners relevant to work with groups will be a major focus of work in readings, videos, lectures, and during the skills lab. The introduction and application of skills will focus on the strategies needed to carry out generalist practice with groups, namely engagement, assessment, goal setting/treatment planning, intervention and evaluation, termination and follow-up. The skills taught in the lab are intended to provide a foundation that students can build on in field placements and further in advanced methods courses. The role of race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender, sexual orientation, religion, physical and mental disability or illness, age, and national origin in social work practice with groups will be highlighted throughout the course. Although this course focuses on working with groups, the transactions between groups and community or organizational environments will be integrated to give attention to the manner in which group work can be instrumental to achieving social and economic justice. The development of reasoning and critical thinking skills will be discussed and developed including factors that influence decision-making processes and the need for ongoing self-evaluation. Students with a particular interest in learning more about therapeutic groups will be encouraged to take the elective SASS 585 as part of their specialization coursework. This course serves as the prerequisite.