Overview:

 In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to create your own group based on what you have learned from the class.

 Your assignment will be to develop a group aimed at treating a disorder or population of your choice. Assume you are employed at a local non-profit agency and are writing the proposal to your supervisor. The proposal should address many of the topics and concepts we have discussed throughout the term.

 Instructions:          

 Think of a group that you would eventually like to organize. Once you have decided on a particular type of group (for example, a group for parents who want to learn better child-rearing skills, or a group for women having just gone through a divorce), consider the following questions in drafting your proposal:

 Group Description

•        What type of group will you create? Will it be a counseling group? A therapy group? Personal-growth group? Will it be long-term or short-term?

•        How will this group be structured? Open or closed? How many sessions? How frequently will group sessions be held?

•        Whom is the group for? Is it a specialty group? In what setting will this group take place? (i.e.; Is it for outpatients in a community mental health center? for substance abusers in a residential setting? For parents who are having major problems in relating to their children? For couples who hope to learn better communication skills?)

•        What led you to choose this particular type of group for your proposal (what is your interest in the topic?)

Rationale

•        What are your goals for this group; that is, what will members gain from participating in the group? What are the short-term goals? Long-term goals? Are the goals and objectives specific?

•        How will these goals be accomplished in a group setting? How will the longrange goals be evaluated during the course of the group and once it comes to an end?

•        What do you expect your members to get from each stage of your group?

•        Why is there a need for such a group? In what ways would a group provide definite advantages over individual counseling? 

Leadership

•        Who will lead your group? What types of leadership skills will they have?

•        Will the leader follow a specific theory?

•        Will there be co-leaders for the group?

Group Dynamics

•        What factors do you expect to influence the group dynamics?

•        What exercises will you plan to incorporate into the group? What exercises do you plan to use in each stage of the group?

•        What strategies will you use to hold and maintain focus?

•        What skills will you incorporate to address problematic group dynamics?

Requirements:

•        Minimum 5 pages, maximum 7 pages excluding the cover page. 

•        3 resources (at least two scholarly sources, such as scholarly or peerreviewed journals, and the textbook).

•        APA style (no abstract necessary).

•        Clear and professional college-level writing. 

Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.

Evaluation Rubric for Unit 7 Assignment