Main Post - Week 6 Explain how two concepts in practice might help facilitate client support and cooperation. Provide examples. In the beginning stages of group work, before group members are cohesive and confident interacting with each other, there is likely to be a level of reluctance, anxiety, or uncomfortableness. The professional must be prepared to bridge the gap between beginning and middle stages, when individual members are reluctant to cooperate or are unsure of the level of support that they are going to receive during group work. Demonstrating a secure environment will lead to effective cooperation from group members. One example of a practice concept that would help facilitate cooperation in the beginning stages is to ask the group members to share previous experiences of group work or other social settings to describe their individual comfortability regarding group work or sharing with others. Toseland & Rivas (2017) wrote members experiences can affect their reactions to a new group and sharing previous group work can emphasize how their experiences may affect their participation in the current group. This would set the tone for open and honest communication and learning about each member individually while facilitating the overall dynamic of the group. This can be done during member introductions and the worker can reassure each individual member by thanking them for sharing experiences and establishing a supportive environment for the group. Toseland & Rivas (2017) explained the workers primary goals in the beginning stages are to help members feel comfortable, to work together in a cooperative manner, and to feel their contributions are respected and appreciated. An example for how a worker can facilitate client support and cooperation is by defining the purpose of the group shortly after the introduction stage. When members are on the same page regarding the purpose and goals of the group, they will feel more confident in the process of group work and will be more likely to contribute to achieving the objective of the group. By reinstating the purpose of the group throughout the group processes, group members will remain focus on the goal and feel connected to each other. This will lead to group members feeling supported by the other members of the group and the worker, as they collective work toward their goals. Reference Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson. Explain how two concepts in practice might help facilitate client support and cooperation. Provide examples One concept in practice that might help facilitate client support and cooperation is ensuring a safe environment. Members feeling secure in a group environment can help them feel supported which then can increase their cooperation. There may be clients that come from different backgrounds and struggle with feeling secure in a group environment. The group leader should display patience and calmness by gradually demonstrating that the group is a positive support in nature and allow group members to encourage one another to accomplish the overall goals (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Another concept that might help client support and cooperation is facilitating members motivation. The member and group leader can learn how they can work together and help identify their expectations and motivations which can help lead a successful group (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). There might be some members that are ambivalent and resistant in the group. When that happens it is important to remember that is where they are at in their process and to help guide them their resistance and ambivalence. One way to do that is to acknowledge their ambivalence to help them recognize their reaction or resistance to change (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Reference: Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.