Introduction to Group Work

The expert authors provide a fresh approach for this new edition designed for beginning leaders. It is highly pragmatic, and covers the foundations, stages, and issues of group work. With few exceptions, each chapter contains a combination of research, theory, and practical information pertinent to the role of the group work specialist. The book provides an overview of six theoretical approaches and their applications to group work. It shows how one might select and utilize individual theories to serve the purposes and goals of any group. You'll find comprehensive discussions on task/work groups, psychotherapy groups, and guidance/psychoeducational groups. Practical guidelines and a warm, lucid writing style is just part of what makes this text so helpful to students and professionals. The text features chapters on working with many different populations in schools, mental health settings, and rehabilitation environments. Addictions, loss, elderly, and gay, lesbian, and bisexual groups are all covered. Special sections on ethical and legal considerations, diversity issues, and the efficacy of group work make this book the perfect choice for those entering the field of group counseling. It contains foundational information dealing with historical, definitive, theoretical, practical, and research perspectives for all types of group work. It has a conceptual frame of reference for dealing with the needs of special populations, providing powerful guidelines and procedures to assist in developing and strengthening self-enhancement in group members. It deals with professional, ethical, and multicultural issues that have applications to the counselor, clients, and the process of group work.