The following situations are fairly typical at this stage of a group. Select one to discuss. Be sure to respond to other posts to encourage deeper exploration of issues presented.

Initial Stage of a Group

1. An Anxious Member. At the second meeting of a group, Phil expresses his anxiety and claims that he is thinking of not returning next week. He says, "It's very difficult for me to speak up. I have always been a listener and I know we are expected to participate in here. It's just that I am so scared of being rejected, so I guess I'll just sit back and watch. It is so hard for me to be in here that I don't think I'll come back again next week."

2. Coercion by Other Members. With the case of Phil, assume that several members quickly came in with statements such as "Phil, you're not giving us a chance. We feel cheated, and if you don't come back that will prove you are a coward! Whatever you do, don't quit on yourself and on us." Others follow by pressuring Phil to remain in the group.

What interventions would you make to those attempting to coerce Phil to remain in the group? What might you want to ask Phil or say to him? What ethical issues are involved when group members pressure one another?

3. Clarifying Goals. You are interested in helping members formulate personal goals early in the course of the group. As you listen to several members say what they want from the group, you are struck with how vague and global most of their goals are. Some of the statements you hear are:

• "I'd like to get out of my head and more in touch with my feelings."
• "What I need to learn is how to communicate better."
• "I'd like to understand myself better."
• "People tell me that I'm too nice. I suppose I should work on assertiveness."
• "I'm in the group because I want feedback."
• "I'm confused and I need answers. I hope I'll find them in here."

Take each of the above statements and show how you might respond to each person. What are some ways you could help the members become more specific? What are some questions you might ask them?

4. Seeing Group Members Individually. After a few meetings, Brenda calls you and requests a private session. When you ask her why she wants an individual session, she tells you she is having trouble trusting most of the members, and that is keeping her from participating. You suggest that she bring this matter up first in the group, and she tells you that she simply is not ready to take this risk.

Would you be willing to see Brenda individually? Why or why not? What are some possible advantages of seeing her for one session? What are the disadvantages? If she agreed to bring up her lack of trust in the next group session, what interventions might you make? How would you assist her and the other members to deal with this trust issue?

5. Disagreement with a Co-Leader. Co-leaders need to have some agreement on the degree of structuring they want to bring to a group during the initial stage. Assume that your co-leader's view of structuring group sessions is just the opposite of yours.

Would you be inclined to bring this disagreement up in the group? Why or why not? If you were unable to come to some agreement about the kind of structure to provide for the group, what would you do? Do you think a group can benefit if one leader is highly structured while the other tends to be very unstructured?

Please remember that these forums are intended to be for educational purposes and not for therapy. Should you find that this material creates a problem for you, remember to seek help available to you via USD Student Counseling Center at http://www.usd.edu/student-life/scc