RUNNING HEAD: REFLECTION
PAPER
1
Reflection Paper
Paola Galan
Liberty University
Reflection Paper 2
After watching the groups in DVD and listening to all the members giving their own
experiences, I could identify most with Jacqueline. She presented herself as an African
American, who sometimes does not feel part of various groups in which is involved. Its difficult
for Jacqueline to relate to others and states she often feels “marginalized”, she would like to
explore ways in which she seeks approval from others (Corey, et. al., 2014). Jacqueline also
mentioned that she wants to get control of her constant needs of approval from others, and she
has a difficult time putting the exact words of how she is feeling of thinking so that she can get
acceptance by others. I do get scare when people do get angry or upset at me and usually, I will
tend to do anything the person wants so they can like me.
I also identified with Jacqueline with the idea of belonging. I was raised in an area were
the Caucasians were the most predominantly. I am from the Dominican Republic and sometimes
I did not feel belonging in my school, community etc. Many times, I would sacrifice my own
interest and just worried and pay attention to others just so I can feel part of the group.
One situation that she mentioned was the relationship that she had with her mother, in
this case I could relate with her but not with my mother however with my bio-father. That really
caught my attention and it feels like her own emotions were also the same I used to feel.
Unfortunately, my mother separated my father when I was 7-year-old. I was devastated because I
was very attached to my bio-father. Throughout my life, I always wanted my father’s approval,
but he was usually not in the picture and whenever he showed up, he was not happy with what I
was doing or my mother. Even now that I am adult and I do get to see my father regularly, I feel
that I cannot talk my father about how I really feel because I’ll know he will not approve of it or
he will start to judge me and says that I should do what he says and listen to his advices that are
the best.
Reflection Paper 3
It was good to see that other members of Jacqueline’s group could identified with what
she said about her own lack of confidence, and they all answer in a positive way. I believe that
in any group setting it feels very good to feel belonging and comfortable and that you are not
alone in this and they are other people that are feeling just the way you feel and that there is hope
and healing with other group members. I felt that in this case Jacqueline was heard, she was seen
which led for her to have a good overall experience with the group. I also saw a role playing as
another feature of the group, when Marianne and Jacqueline worked together about her feelings
with her mom.
One observation that I also saw about the group was active participation, addressing other
members and maintaining eye contact, speaking loudly and clear and being honest of one’s
thoughts and feelings. The Corey’s did a great job establishing norms, and what was expected
and effective leadership techniques that at the end we could it see all the much work that it was
done. There were also uncomfortable moments throughout the video. For example, when
members were directed to look at another member of the group as they were speaking, I could
only imagine how difficult this would it be for a lot of the group members. However, the Corey’s
were able to teach them techniques on how to feel comfortable and trust the other members.
In the second group, led by the Corey’s I thought the group was properly set up and the
plans were clearly stated. At the beginning of the video, we saw that there were some questions
like for example, Galo. Galo was feeling that he did not feel that he belongs to the group and he
did not participate quite as much. However, the Corey’s did address Galo concern by telling
Galo and the group that they wanted their members to share their thoughts and feelings when
they felt like doing in so, or when something touch them or inspired them (Corey, et. al., 2014).
Reflection Paper 4
Overall, the Corey’s wanted to make sure that each member of the group felt belonging and that
they are in control of where the discussion goes.
One way that I thought the Corey’s did a great job on how to build the trust of each
members of the group. When they put everyone in pairs to share something about one another,
what they feared about the group and common ground that might exist (Corey, et. al., 2014).
This activity helps the group members a chance to see each other and not just the group leaders. I
always find it good in any group that you find someone to relate to and members will feel more
comfortable with one another and reduce any insecurities or fear. Another part of every group is
conflict, it is expected that every group will experience some type of conflict (Corey, et. al.,
2014). Every time I have led a group at my job or even being in any group conflict and
differences usually rises. It is very important just like the Corey’s did, for the group leader to
address the conflict and give the group the proper tool to fix any conflict that happens.
This group that was led by the Corey’s was diverse with each member backgrounds and
experiences. I think they did a great job with trusting and respecting each member of the group.
At the end it was giving the group a chance to learn about one another, giving way to trust,
which at the end will promote healing. I have personally great healing with the support of my
therapy and other groups therapy support. Even though healing is a process, healing can be
found in tears, sharing your feelings, and empathize with other people. Groups can help you to
establish a support system that someone might never had before. One of my favorite verses of
the Bible the gives me hope and can heal me from anything is in Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for
I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness”.
Reflection Paper 5
References
Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Haynes, R. (2014). Groups in action: Evolution and challenges (2nd
ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage. (DVD and workbook). ISBN: 9781285095059
