C. Group Facilitator/Co-Facilitator Guidelines

Description

C. Group Facilitator/Co-Facilitator Guidelines

1. Before Group Begins (the discussion with the co-facilitator)

a. Discuss general purpose of group.
b. Describe goals and the methods and materials to accomplish them.
c. Discuss group activities (who will present what, when and how)
d. Determine role of co-facilitator;

Observer-takes notes, evaluates, learns-student

Participant-asks questions as a group member, is involved in process-encourager
Facilitator-guides group process equally with other facilitator-guide

-determine the level and type of confrontation which will be used by both facilitators
-determine how tangent subjects or diversions by staff or clients will be directed
-discuss how you will both stay consistent with each other

To be effective facilitators both counselors must have knowledge of the group’s content & purpose and understand the method and means in facilitating the group process.

2. During Group Process.

a. Help group members concentrate and work on personal issues and problems
b. Help members learn how to help each other. Teach and show them by example how to give and receive appropriate feedback.
c. Deal with tactics and resistance together-involve the group in this process.
d. Assist the co-facilitator in guiding group interaction and structure.
e. Take note of any questions or problems you would like to discuss after the group is over

3. After Group Ends

Analyze the group’s process and interaction together.

a. How was resistance handled?
b. How could you have worked more effectively together?
c. Discuss any questions, disagreements or problems that you witnessed.
d. Describe what worked: solutions developed, thinking that changed, client progress, etc.
e. Evaluate group dynamics:

emotional factors
thinking patterns
action factors
personality characteristics
synergy
cohesiveness
trust/mistrust
resistance/compliance
tactics/games

Note group participants, subjects discussed and any other notes in group log.

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