SOCW 6121 Week 7 - Assignment 1: Planning a Group

Week 7: The Planning Stage

Leading a treatment group requires extensive planning by the clinical social worker. Treatment groups are interventions that tend to focus on a particular emotional and/or behavioral issue that is having a negative impact on a person’s life. A treatment group differs from a support group or task group because it requires a professional to serve as the leader. The first step in the planning process is to become familiar with the psychosocial issues and behavioral/emotional problems that the members of the group may be experiencing. Then, the clinical social worker should use evidence-based techniques to plan the group that are appropriate for the members. In addition, the clinical social worker must address all of the aspects that are associated with group therapy, such as, membership, the purpose and goals, and monitoring.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Plan a treatment group

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

· Chapter 6, “Planning the Group”

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (Eds.). (2013). Sessions case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.

· “The Petrakis Family” (pp. 20–22)

Proudlock, S., & Wellman, N. (2011). Solution-focused groups: The results look promising. Counselling Psychology Review, 26(3), 45–55.

Required Media

Walden University. (n.d.). MSW interactive home page [Multimedia]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note:  The “Petrakis Family” video sessions can be viewed using this program resource.

Assignment 1: Planning a Group

When a client is dealing with several problems at one time, it can be difficult to determine which type of treatment group would be most beneficial. Some types of treatment groups may overlap in addressing certain problems or issues. The literature is helpful in assisting the clinical social worker in determining the type, purpose, and goals of the treatment group.

For this Assignment, review the “Petrakis Family” case history and video session.

In a 800-word paper, describe a treatment group that would help Helen Petrakis in one of the following areas: (a) caregiving, (b) sandwich generation, (c) serving as a family member of an individual with addiction.

· Review and briefly summarize the literature about the social issue that is the focus of your group (caregiving, sandwich generation, or addictions).

· Write a plan that includes the following elements:

· Type of treatment group

· Purpose of the group

· Membership

· Method to recruit

· Composition

· Size

· Open/closed

· Monitoring

Must contain at least 4 references and citations from the following materials:

Required Readings

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

· Chapter 6, “Planning the Group”

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (Eds.). (2013). Sessions case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.

· “The Petrakis Family” (pp. 20–22)

Proudlock, S., & Wellman, N. (2011). Solution-focused groups: The results look promising. Counselling Psychology Review, 26(3), 45–55.

Required Media

Walden University. (n.d.). MSW interactive home page [Multimedia]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu

Note:  The “Petrakis Family” video sessions can be viewed using this program resource.