Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills, 7th Edition

by Edward E. Jacobs, Robert L.L. Masson, Riley L. Harvill

This widely used and respected book presents an active, multisensory approach to group leading, focusing heavily on group leadership skills. While written with the counselor in mind, GROUP COUNSELING: STRATEGIES AND SKILLS, 7th Edition also provides an outstanding discussion of group dynamics for professionals in group leadership positions. The authors discuss the many facets of group counseling and provide examples that show how each skill can be applied in a wide range of group settings to produce efficient working groups.

Genres: Counselling, Nonfiction, Psychology, Grad School, School, Mental Health, Textbooks

496 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[Brendan Rather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was brilliant, both as a primer for group work and a resource for future reference. Group planning is emphasized strongly throughout. Counselors are encouraged to keep the purpose of groups in mind at all times, as well as to consistently monitor both the content and process of groups. Cutting clients off as needed to redirect conversation is discussed and demonstrated in vignettes. Drawing other, less involved members out of silence is also encouraged. The power of eye contact is discussed. The authors suggest that boundaries are presented as needed rather than as a list of rules presented at the beginning of groups (a sure way to lose client interest early). Multi-sensory approaches are suggested, consisting of alternating activities and opportunities to process content discussed. Words of caution regarding ethical and legal concerns for group counselors conclude this work. This is a must-have for anyone interested in operating group counseling for any reason. It is organized very well.

[Tom Pepper · Rating 1 out of 5]

Superficial and poorly written. Just read Yalom’s classic book on group therapy—they cite him often, but don’t do near as good a job as he does of explaining how group therapy might work. Also, you can get a copy of Yalom’s book for literally one one-hundredth of the cost of this piece of fluff. Just another sad attempt to make a buck off of would-be psychology students who don’t read well enough to get through a book like Yalom’s. Maybe such people ought not be therapists?

[Callie Conner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would not recommend this text to those not interested in group counseling. If you are, however, interested in leading a group, this book has some helpful tips. I would suggest that experience is the best teacher, but this book can get you started. One notable piece of advice mentioned in the book is that during group counseling everything is, “grist for the mill.” I’d like to think this applicable to life, every experience is worth something, even if it’s small!

[Alma · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much of this was already a given, I wish it had gone a bit deeper. I didn't feel I learned much though I did think the vignettes were helpful

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Such mixed feelings about this book. It was ok (2 stars). I feel that there WAS some good information in there, however, it was so freaking repetitive that even though I read the whole thing, I think I could have gotten away with only skimming a lot of it.

A lot of what is in this book felt to me to be 'common sense' which may be a good thing (that I can think best practices for groups as common sense), but then, I don't feel qualified after reading that book to go out and lead a group. Maybe this book is toooo introduction-focused, and not as in depth as I would like (I want something specific on school groups that I am likely to lead).

There WERE some good things in the book: a LOT of examples, and of both effective and ineffective group leadership. This allowed me to see some good and bad examples, and see what made them good or bad.

[Chavonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty solid reference for learning how to run groups more effectively. I think it would be very useful during one's first semester in an MSW program because it goes over the basics really well. I would have loved to read it when I first started groups at my first adult job.

[Kate Wester · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dry. Kind of boring. Good specific information on different kinds of groups.