Basic Groupwork

Basic Groupwork is a simple, practical guide to the processes of groupwork. This new edition has been extensively updated and revised to reflect the changes which have taken place in society and social behaviour since it was first published in 1978, but in essence it remains an accessible and friendly text for the novice practitioner. In logical sequence the book follows the progress of one group from inception to close and exposes how groups work. Basic group processes explained include: how individuals bring their personal habitual responses to situations into a group how group constraints enhance or restrain group behaviour and achievement how a group is affected by the way in which it has originated how leadership and membership roles interact. Basic Groupwork provides students with a sound and solid basis for any kind of groupwork, in any context.

Basic Groupwork is a simple, practical guide to the processes of groupwork. This new edition has been extensively updated and revised to reflect the changes which have taken place in society and social behaviour since it was first published in 1978, but in essence it remains an accessible and friendly text for the novice practitioner. In logical sequence the book follows the progress of one group from inception to close and exposes how groups work. Basic group processes explained include: how individuals bring their personal habitual responses to situations into a group how group constraints enhance or restrain group behaviour and achievement how a group is affected by the way in which it has originated how leadership and membership roles interact. Basic Groupwork provides students with a sound and solid basis for any kind of groupwork, in any context.

Both the new social work degree and Post-Qualifying Award in social work require that students are competent at working with groups and such skills are also valuable in interprofessional practice, partnership working and within the social care workforce. This accessible book introduces the practicalities of planning, establishing, facilitating and evaluating social work projects and contains common-sense guidance on setting up, facilitating and closing small helping, interprofessional and other groups. The reader is introduced to the relevant skills, stages and decisions in groupwork and guided through what to do when things seem to be going wrong.

How can the group setting be used to treat those with drug and alcohol problems? Many professionals working across a variety of addictions settings find themselves working in groups and tackling complex issues; however, there is often very little initial training or on-the-job support to help them in this challenging task. Principles and Practice of Group Work in Addictions has been written with the aim of addressing the key areas in working with drug and alcohol misuse while providing practical solutions to the more common problems that emerge in group work. Drawing on the expertise of clinicians who work in the field of addictions, this book offers readers practical advice for everyday practice. Divided into three sections it covers: core group work in addictions practical issues and solutions to common problems specific issues within the field of addictions. Principles and Practice of Group Work in Addictions is illustrated throughout with practical case examples, providing the reader with an insight into group work in this area. The book will supply guidance for mental health professionals including clinicians, psychologists, nurses and medical staff who encounter group work in addictions for the first time, as well as providing further knowledge and support to those who already work in the field.

This edition features new material on such topics as skill-building for more advanced students and how to use multiple-ability treatments.

Focusing on how groupwork can be learnt and taught, the authors of this accessible and lively book consider what is essential in effective work with groups. They develop a practice model which is applicable to a wide range of approaches and actively promotes anti-oppressive groupwork. It has been extensively trialled and refined in a mainstream social services agency. Using `activities' to promote the reader's understanding and involvement, The Essential Groupworker describes how to plan, set up and maintain a working group. The authors look at the ways in which power and power relations, and individual and group identities influence the success or failure of a group. They show how to evaluate outcomes and apply knowledge gained through experience, and consider ways of approaching group endings. Written for students, practitioners and educators, The Essential Groupworker will stimulate effective and creative groupwork practice in a wide variety of settings.

In his latest book, Tom Douglas turns his attention to the skills of group membership. While there is an extensive literature on basic groupwork practice, none of the existing books address the functions of groups exclusively from the viewpoint of members. Survival in Groups examines the influences and pressures which can exist in groups and explains what to look for in order to see these factors at work. It stresses the fact that the ability to see the processes of a group in action can enable group members to make consciously directed contributions to the group based on an understanding of what is involved. The final chapters discuss methods of integrating personal learning about group outcomes. Illustrated throughout with practice-based examples, Survival in Groups is aimed at the many students of social work, counselling, nursing and social care who are required to participate in groups, but who are unclear about what this involves. With its summaries, lists of basic concepts and brief annotated bibliography, the book will also be of use to busy professionals in the social care field where teamwork or groupwork is emphasised.

This is a comprehensive guide to integrating assessment, learning and practice, reflecting current concerns in health and social care. The authors - an academic, a training officer and a practitioner - present complementary perspectives to bring theory and practice closer together. Arguing that a holistic approach to learning can fit with a competency approach to assessment, the authors show how this promotes both efficiency and creativity in evidence-based professional practice. They also demonstrate how their combined assessment and learning tool, the 'signposted portfolio' can work in practice. This portfolio forms both a summary of what the social work student or health care practitioner has learnt and the foundation of an assessment document. This practical and thoughtful resource is essential reading for trainers, practitioners, managers and students in health and social care who are seeking to provide the best service to their clients.