Working With Groups in Social Work

Social workers work with groups in many different settings, including communities and neighborhoods, as well as more traditional clinical or therapeutic venues. Social workers who work with groups are also bound by the code of ethics to display competency in their work. As such, social workers working with groups should understand the basic principles behind group work and how to run an effective group to meet the clients' needs.

Instructions

• 1

  Establish group boundaries and guidelines. Discuss the fundamental rules at the first meeting. Group members often feel anxiety at the beginning. To ease this anxiety, explain the basic guidelines for the group, including meeting times, location, duration of the group and size. Be explicit about policies around absences, decorum (such as eating or cell phone usage) and leaving the group while it is in session. Clarify expectations for the behavior of both group members and the social worker, and discuss important rules. For instance, in most groups, members are responsible to each other for maintaining confidentiality.

• 2

  Encourage group cohesion. Group cohesion occurs when the group as a whole feels a sense of trust, belonging and togetherness. Create an environment that encourages trust and helps group members to feel united. Model acceptance, and be open-minded and kind. Actively listen to and respect group members. Group members will look to you for how to treat each other and will use the methods you model.

• 3

  Allow groups to resolve their conflicts. This is often challenging for social workers, since conflicts between group members can be uncomfortable or even scary. Appreciate the importance that conflict has to the overall dynamics of the group. Step back and allow group members to resolve conflicts on their own. Many times, when two group members are in conflict others in the group will help them resolve it. Monitor the situation and be prepared to step in if it escalates or becomes unruly. Be mindful that resolving their own conflicts can increase cohesion among group members.

• 4

  Support participants at the time of termination. Group participants will often feel a sense of loss when a group is over. Appreciate that certain behaviors and responses to termination are normal. Some participants may act out or revert to old behaviors. Discuss termination with the group and make room for all members to express their feelings about the end of the group. Celebrate the victories and hard work of group members, and encourage them to feel good about what they have accomplished.