HS 260 - Group Counseling

Admission to a Human Services program, or Instructor approval.

Course Description: Provides students with the theory and skills of small group dynamics. Focuses on group formation, development of norms, conflicts and controversy, and performance and evaluation. Includes group leader competencies; skills and attitudes; therapeutic factors; group goals and structure; client screening, stages; rules and client roles; phases of group, group problems and issues; opening and closing techniques; group ethics and client termination processes; the role of values, catharsis, transference and counter transference; self-disclosure; and working with a co-leader and counselor.

Course Learning Outcomes:

• CLO#1: Identify principles of group dynamics, including group process components, developmental stage theories, group members’ roles and behaviors, and therapeutic factors of group work. (ILO: Communication)
• CLO#2: Demonstrate understanding of group leadership styles and approaches, including characteristics of various types of group leaders and leadership styles.
• CLO#3: Identify group counseling methods, including group counselor orientations and behaviors, appropriate selection criteria and ongoing methods, and methods of client evaluation.
• CLO#4: Recognize approaches used for other types of group work, including task groups, psychoeducational groups, and therapy groups.
• CLO#5: Develop ethical and culturally relevant strategies for designing and facilitating groups.
• CLO#6: Direct experiences in which students participate as co-facilitator and as members in a small group.