Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE COU3203

 
TITLE Understanding Group Dynamics: An Experiential Approach

 
UM LEVEL 03 - Years 2, 3, 4 in Modular Undergraduate Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Counselling

 
DESCRIPTION The therapeutic factors in experiential groups and group leadership issues will be explored. The students will also be given the opportunity to practice Group Facilitation Skills.

This study-unit will address the general principles of experiential group facilitation. It will focus on the significant group processes and leadership techniques that occur in an experiential group session.

It offers an understanding of the basic theoretical concepts as well as practical sessions for students to develop the necessary skills for leading such groups. The format will be experiential. Students have the opportunity to become active learners in the study of group process whilst leading a group.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Knowledge & Understanding
By the end of the study-unit students will be able to:

- Develop knowledge about the theory, and practice of experiential group facilitation.

2. Skills
By the end of the study-unit students will be able to:

- Process and evaluate an experiential group session;
- Learn about their skills and style when leading groups.

Study-unit Outline:

- History and introduction;
- The small group in counselling and therapy;
- The therapeutic factors of group therapy;
- Group leadership;
- Co-leadership issues;
- Transferential issues,
- The creation of a group;
- Stages of group development;
- Problem behaviours in a group;
- Ethical issues;
- Course evaluation;
- Practice in Experiential Group Facilitation – leading a group.

Required Text:
- Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. Basic books.

Reading List:
- Behr, H. & Hearst, L. (2005). Group-Analytic Psychotherapy: A Meeting of Minds. John Wiley.
- Belmont, J.A. (2019). 150 More Group Therapy Activities & Tips. PESI Publishing.
- Brabender, V. & MacNair-Semands, R. (2022). The Ethics of Group Psychotherapy: Principles and Practical Strategies. Routledge.
- Gans. J. (2018). Difficult Topics in Group Psychotherapy: My Journey from Shame to Courage. Routledge.
- Graves. D. (2012). Setting Up and Facilitating Bereavement Support Groups: A Practical Guide. Jessica Kingsley.
- Jacobs, E.E., Masson, R.L., & Harvill, R.L. (2006). Group Counselling Strategies and Skills (5th ed.) Thomson Brooks/Cole.
- Kindred, M. & Kindred, M. (2011). Once Upon a Group: A Guide to Running and Participating in Successful Groups (2nd ed). Jessica Kingsley.
- Nitsun. M. (2014). The Anti-Group: Destructive Forces in the Group and their Creative Potential. Routledge.
- Rogers, J. (2010). Facilitating Groups. Open University Press.
- Tate. C. (2021). Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life. Avid Reader Press.

Bibliography:
- Bion, W.R. (1959) Experiences in Groups and other Papers. Basic Books.
- Corey, M.S. & Corey, G. (2008). Groups: Process and Practice (7th ed.). Thomson Brooks/Cole.
- Corey, G., Corey, M.S., Callanan, P., & Russel, J.M. (2003). Group Techniques (3rd ed.) Thomson Brooks/Cole.
- Fehr, S.S. (2018). Introduction to Group Therapy: A Practical Guide (3rd ed.) Routledge.
- Jacobs, E., Masson, R.L., & Harvill, R.L. (2006) Group Counselling Strategies and Skills (5th ed.) Thomson Brooks/Cole.
- Kottler J.A. (1994). Advanced Group Leadership. Brooks/Cole.
- Posthuma, B.W. (1996). Small Groups in Counselling and Therapy. (2nd Ed.). Allyn and Bacon.
- Rogers, C.R. (1970) On Encounter Groups. Harper & Row.
- Vinogradov, S. & Yalom, I.D. (1989). A concise guide to group psychotherapy. APA.
- Whitaker, D.S. (1987) Using Groups to Help People. Routledge & Kegan.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Seminar

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Assessment Due Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Assignment SEM2 Yes 100%

 
LECTURER/S Marlene Cauchi

 

 
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It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2025/6. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

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