Group Process Analysis Sarah Dubicki Wayne Statue University SW 4010

Introduction When working with a group, the first session in a group is an essential and defining time for the group as a whole. This group is responsible for establishing boundaries, ground rules, and for this reason the first session can be difficult. This first session is a good tool for the social worker to see how the individuals interact individually and how the group operates and communicates as a whole. Nerves are bound to be present, as well as other feelings that have to do with their being in care. Not only do members of the group need to grow comfortable with the social worker, but each other. In the first session, not only are the members introduced to one another, but goals are set, and a plan is begun to help achieve these goals. It is important that each member partakes in this process, even just a little, so they are part of the goal making. In the first sessions, it is also very important to discuss and clarify the limits of confidentiality within the group (Toseland & Rivas, 2012, p. 188). If the clients understand what is expected of them, and that confidentiality is important, then they are more likely to be open and share. Our group in class is a group of unrelated, homeless teenagers. They were living on the streets, or in shelters for unrelated (and as of yet undiscovered) reasons. During this meeting the social worker is assess the group to the best of their abilities, begin to determine group dynamics as a whole, and is to establish the plan of action needed to continue and make the group an appropriate setting. In the assessment, the worker will evaluate what happened in the group and then be able to objectively report the impressions they made.

Assessment It has already been established that the first few sessions are important as a whole, as if the group gets off to an unorganized, or inefficient start, then it cant be effective in the long run. Not to the degree it needs to be. Not only does the worker need to assess the groups functioning, but the functioning of the individuals that make up the group as well. According to Toseland and Rivas (2012) a worker needs to examine the intrapersonal life interpersonal interactions and the environment in which the individual functions (p. 221). Not only this, but a worker also needs to be able to look at the environment around the individual and determine if it is an appropriate and helpful environment. In the case of our teenagers, their environments are not the kind of environment needed to meet the goals set. The goals that were established by our teenagers are not goals that will be met quickly, without work. If the members of our group do not reside in a supportive environment, then they do not have all the tools they need to succeed. Without the goals set in place, there is no need for our teenagers to come together to work. The group established goals such as obtaining their GED, being able to obtain and hold a job, live independently, and start the process to receive a college education. Not only did our teens establish goals in their first sessions, but they worked together to set rules in place. One at a time, they proposed a rule and the rest of the group would discuss their thoughts on that rule. For the most part the rules were agreed upon unconditionally. Rules such as respect, listening, speaking in turn, and not swearing at each other were rules that were accepted easily. The rule request that was the most difficult to decide was when one member requested the right to smoke during sessions.

The other members disagreed with this rule, as they were not smokers. Right away, there was a conflict that the teens were experiencing, and by the end the agreement was that there would be a short break with which the individuals could do as they wish, be it smoke or grab some water or use the restroom. Even though there was a bit of conflict, the group still worked together to come up with rules. With no rules, there is not a way to be held accountable, and chaos would ensue. Group Dynamics This groups dynamics were not established before the sessions began (as they would have been if the members had been a family or known each other before). The group is made up of strangers who have slightly similar situations (they are homeless and youths), but whom have never met before. Their ages, cultures, attitudes, and experiences are very different and yet they are still held together by the goals they have set and their commitment to the group (be it court-ordered or voluntary). So far, the group has been respectful to one another, while at the same time they have not yet become comfortable enough to interact freely with each other without prompting. I am confident that the longer we are in session, the more comfortable they will be interacting and reaching out to offer support. Typical behaviors in a person are called norms. Toseland & Rivas referred to norms as things that refer to specific member behaviors and to the overall pattern of behavior that is acceptable in a group (p 78). The norms of this group have so far been that one member has been domineering and attention-seeking, to the point that she has interrupted fellow members to offer her stories. Two of the other clients have been forthcoming when asked, but have not

volunteered their answers or concerns. Finally, the last client is quiet and only interacts when not only spoken to, but drawn out. As discussed, this group has never met before these sessions so there were no pre-established norms. This also means that since they are not as comfortable with one another, they havent shown too many norms that speak to their true selves. The clients still seem to be on their best behavior, except for the individual who has been interrupting and disruptive. Whenever this behavior occurs, the worker has redirected the conversation accordingly, keeping the group on track as best as possible. Although there have been some disagreements, there have been no severe conflicts that the worker has needed to intervene on. The main goal of the worker has been encouraging the clients to feel safe and comfortable sharing their experiences and working through what they need to, in order to achieve their goals. The workers role has been to redirect, and provide cues and direction to encourage growth. The worker has had to remember to maintain a strengths-based approach when working with each of the individuals, so as not to make them feel judged or persecuted. Impressions It is clear that each and every one of these teenagers needs work in learning how to properly follow through goals, and needs to come to accept what brought them to this point. They need to learn how to better their lives without turning to vices and criminal activity, and also need to learn how to properly deal with disappointment and struggle. It is clear that each client is in need of a support system, and with time they can learn to support one another.

All the children have been impacted by the circumstances that resulted in their being homeless, and were further impacted by the things they experienced while actually homeless. The social worker is slightly intimidated because there has not yet been a big breakthrough that has allowed the group to trust one another, as well as the worker. At this point, the worker is being patient and not pushing the clients further than they are able to go, but they are also not just letting the clients come to group to goof around. Plan of Action The main plan of action for this group is to establish independence and confidence in the clients themselves, as well as encourage them to make appropriate and supportive relationships with others that could help them in the years to come. The worker wishes to help the clients become aware of their norms, behaviors, and situations in a healthy and helpful what that will encourage them to continue the betterment of their lives. The worker wishes to support the clients in their goals and endeavors, but at the same time wants to encourage them to depend on themselves and not to dwell on the past. The clients would need to open up more and become more comfortable with one another in order to be effective with dealing with their experainces.