Advanced Social Work Practice with Groups

Catalog description

This course combines understanding the dynamic processes and the neurobiological mechanisms of working with clinically- focused groups in integrated health and wellness social work practice. The course uses both experiential and reflective learning to prepare students for process-oriented practice with groups. Students gain conceptual knowledge with a practical application of the group process including insights on therapeutic group interactions from neuroscience findings and also discuss the use of evidence-based group protocols in treatment. This course is organized around the stages of group development and the appropriate leadership interventions for each phase. There is a focus on facilitation of group intervention for clinical social work groups while addressing aspects of oppression and privilege in social work groups. Assignments are designed to guide students through the process of planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating a treatment group and are designed to prepare students to assess, prepare, and effectively communicate interventions and evaluation used in clinical social work practice. An emphasis on personal growth in leadership skills through the use of parallel processes in this course. In addition to readings and written assignments, the course includes a range of experiential and reflective exercises. Successful completion of this course requires students to lead, co-lead, or observe a minimum of 6 group sessions during the semester, at their workplace, field placement, in the community, or online. Prereq: Advanced Standing or (SASS 502 and SASS 504 and SASS 508 and SASS 509 ).