Document: COUN 6250 Group Proposal Template Final
Walden University, LLC. (2024). Therapeutic factors [Video]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.comLaunch External Tool
Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2018). Groups: Process and practice (10th ed.). Cengage.
Read Chapter 3, “Ethical and Legal Issues in Group Counseling”
Read Chapter 4, “Theories and Techniques of Group Counseling”
Review Chapter 5, “Forming a Group”
Read Chapter 6, “Initial Stage of a Group”
Sobell, L. C., & Sobell, M. B. (2011). Therapist handout 5.1: Objectives, procedures, client handouts, pregroup planning, and sample round-robin discussions. In Group therapy for substance use disorders: A motivational cognitive-behavioral approach. Guilford Publications.
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (6th ed.). Basic Books.
Read Chapter 1, “The Therapeutic Factors”
Read Chapter 4, “The Therapeutic Factors: An integration”
Guth, L. J., Pepper, E. L., & Garrow, J. (2021). Ten tips for the facilitation of virtual groups. https://asgw.org/ten-tips/
Choudhuri, D. D. (2020, August 6). Working virtually in groupwork. https://asgw.org/working-virtually-in-groupwork/
Telehealth.HHS.gov. (2022, December 7). Telehealth for behavioral health care. https://telehealth.hhs.gov/providers/best-practice-guides/telehealth-for-behavioral-health/group-teletherapy
OASIS. (n.d.). Common assignments: Literature reviews. http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/literaturereview
Walden University, LLC. (2018). Applying counseling theory to group work [Video]. Walden University Canvas. https://waldenu.instructure.com
In this video, Walden faculty discuss how they apply theory to group work.
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You have read these Learning Resources in earlier weeks and reviewing them is necessary to prepare for the Assignment.
American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA code of ethics. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/ethics/2014-aca-code-of-ethics.pdf?sfvrsn=55ab73d0_1
Pay close attention to the relevant sections of the code related to group work.
Singh, A.A., Merchant, N., Skudrzyk, B., & Ingene, D. (2012). Association for Specialists in Group Work: Multicultural and social justice competence principles for group workers. The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 37(4), 312–325. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933922.2012.721482
Ratts, M. J., Singh, A. A., Nassar-McMillan, S., Butler, S. K., & McCullough, J. R. (2015). Multicultural and social justice counseling competencies. https://www.counseling.org/docs/default-source/competencies/multicultural-and-social-justice-counseling-competencies.pdf?sfvrsn=20
Thomas, R. V., & Pender, D. A. (2008). Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW): Best practice guidelines 2007 revisions The Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 33(2), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933920801971184
Association for Specialists in Group Work. (2021). ASGW guiding principles for group work.https://asgw.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ASGW-Guiding-Principles-May-2021.pdf
Optional Resources
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (6th ed.). Basic Books.
Read Chapter 8, ”Selecting Clients and Composing Groups”
You may want to use the following journals as resources when working on the rationale for Part 2 of your Group Proposal:
Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice
The Journal for Specialists in Group Work
International Journal of Group Psychotherapy
Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery
Submit your completed COUN 6250 Group Proposal Template Final, which includes:
Revised Part 1: Logistics
Target population/topic
Discuss your proposed group, including the topic and population that you think would benefit from participating in group counseling.
Support your points with citations.
Group type and rationale
Identify the type of group, describe why this type of group will be appropriate, and include rationale for offering this type of group.
Support your points with citations.
Cultural considerations, inclusion, and diversity
Present research-based cultural considerations and needs of this group/population. What are some of the risk factors and areas of concern? What are some of the protective factors and areas of strength?
Discuss potential inclusion and diversity themes, such as how diversity may impact early group process or how you might address bias.
Support your points with citations.
Group purpose and objective
Identify the general objective and goal of your group.
Specify a clear objective and purpose for the group. Consider: What can group members expect to change as a result of participating in your group? Are your objectives specific, measurable, and attainable within the specified time? (For example, what objective measurable will you increase or decrease, and when will you attain it? How long is your group?)
Planning and practical considerations
Outline the practical considerations for your group.
Identify the group size and justify the size.
Prepare a statement of informed consent.
Identify whether this will be an open or closed group and justify why.
Discuss how you plan to recruit group members.
Discuss how many sessions you will facilitate your group.
Discuss the group structure.
Discuss the screening process and strategies for assessing potential group members for appropriate fit in counseling groups. Include who would not be a good fit for the group.
Support your points with citations.
Part 2: Framework
Setting and technological considerations
Identify the ideal setting and location for this group, either in-person or virtual.
Next, discuss provisions for virtual groups by outlining the practical technological considerations of the virtual group or, if the group is in person, how you would adjust to a virtual group if necessary.
Discuss screening considerations for virtual groups, the application of technology, guidelines, and strategies for facilitation.
Discuss the differences between facilitating your group virtually or in-person.
Support your points with citations.
Theoretical framework
Discuss the theoretical framework appropriate for your group and provide a rationale for why this is appropriate.
Support your points with citations.
Strategies
Identify two or three specific strategies you would use to facilitate your group.
Support your points with citations.
Legal, ethical, and culturally responsive considerations
Discuss the legal and ethical considerations and multicultural competencies that apply to counseling group practices and strategies you will use to ensure best practices when leading groups.
Identify specific ethical standards that apply to group practice and specific practice guidelines relevant to groups.
Support your points with citations.
Therapeutic factors
Discuss the therapeutic factors and how they contribute to group effectiveness.
Discuss how you will attend to these in the initial stages of your group development.
Support your points with citations.
Best practices
Develop a plan for engaging best practices, including legal and ethical practice and cultural responsiveness.
Consider how you will navigate ethical practice and self-awareness so that you are addressing the unique needs of the group and group members.
Consider how you as a facilitator will create an environment that fosters respect, growth, and achieving the group objectives.
Support your points with citations.
Skills Application and Session Plan:
Session 1 Group Plan Template and Outline
Create a group plan template for the first group session. Refer to your course Learning Resources, research, and counseling skills to create a plan for your group.
Complete Group Plan Session 1 Template and Outline that includes all the required elements from the Group Proposal Template for Session 1.
Reference List
The reference list should contain references for all citations in the entire Group Proposal.
