Group Management Techniques

In the mental health field, group therapy is an effective and common form of counseling. Leading a group can be rewarding but also challenging. In order to successfully manage a group, there are some helpful reminders to keep the group running smooth. Using group management techniques, a group leader can keep conflict to a minimum and help group members get the most out of each group session.

The First Session

• During the first session, it is important to set up rules and general guidelines. If you are leading a mental health or self-help group, it is important to talk about confidentiality and the limits of it. Group members should also suggest rules of the group that you may have not thought of. The first group should also discuss the focus and goals of the group. Ice-breaking activities are also important group management techniques in the first session.

Building Rapport

• After the initial group meeting, the subsequent groups are focused on building trust and open communication. The group leader will utilize group management techniques designed to open dialogue and encourage sharing in the group. Journal writing is one such exercise. Members of the group may spend the first 10 minutes writing in a journal. Afterward, the group discusses the feelings they had while writing. Role playing is another exercise that group members can participate in to share feelings.

Conflict Resolultion

• As part of any group, conflict will arise, and resolving it is an important group management technique. The group facilitator has to be able to handle conflict quickly and effectively allowing group members to feel safe. Conflict between group members can be used to facilitate dialogue. The group rules should be reviewed to remind members how to appropriately behave. Assertiveness is also a crucial group management technique to keep members on task.

Support

• The most important group management technique is ongoing support. The group will develop a life of its own but will still need the group leader for support and guidance. The group members will look to the leader for advice and empathy. The group facilitator will work to keep the group moving smoothly and present topics as needed. Conflict will still arise, but the group members will be better able to handle it on their own.