The Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) supports the practice of ethical and effective group work through the publication of guiding principles in planning, performing and processing group work. Originally prepared, approved and published in 1998 (ASGW; Rapin and Keel), the current revision addresses changes in the American Counseling…

Group play therapy is a common treatment modality for children who have been sexually abused. Sexually abused preschoolers exhibit different group play therapy behaviors than do nonabused children. Group workers need to be aware of these differences and know the appropriate group interventions. This article describes group play therapy with…

Immigration to a different country can change one's socioeconomic status, familial and social networks, cultural behavioral norms, language, and values. Immigrants to the United States usually reevaluate themselves and their identity as a result of this acculturation process. Group counseling can help alleviate the sense of isolation many…

Short stories can be an effective group-level intervention for addressing disordered eating attitudes and behaviors. This technique may be used in eating-disorder themed groups or in any group in which members present with eating problems. The authors provide specific guidelines for the use of short stories in group work. An example is provided to…

Presents the 2000 revision of the Association for Specialists in Group Work's (ASGW) Professional Standards for the Training of Group Workers. The core standards express ASGW's view on the minimum training in group work all programs in counseling should provide. Specialization standards provide a framework for documenting the training philosophy,…

The Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) has endorsed this document with the recognition that issues of diversity affect group process and dynamics, group facilitation, training, and research. These principles have been written as guidelines and represent ASGW's commitment to becoming increasingly aware, knowledgeable, and skillful in…

Describes a dream work focus for six-week growth groups. Procedures for working with members' dreams are examined in relation to group process and group development. Ethical considerations, cautions, and potential use of dream work as an intervention in other kinds of groups are discussed. (Author/GCP)

Small group dream work facilitates group cohesion and is fun, stimulating, and powerful in assisting with the development of personal insight. Group process protocols, necessary leadership skills, preparation of members, and stages of group dream work are outlined. (Author/GCP)

Presents the Association for Specialists Work's Best Practice Guidelines. These guidelines are intended to clarify the application of the American Counseling Association's Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice to the field of group work by defining group workers' responsibility and scope of practice. (Author/MKA)

Presents a small-group format for training basic group leadership skills and gives components of the format and methods for their use. (Author)

Describes a large-group simulation, titled "Lump Sum," to demonstrate decision-making processes in multicultural groups. Simulation directions, results, and supporting publications are presented. (Author)

Warns that the silence that occurs during group counseling may or may not be therapeutic. Silence breaker interventions are needed when judged by the group leader to be nonproductive. Presents examples of how to prevent or stop nontherapeutic silences. (Author/JAC)

The dually diagnosed manifest a complex combination of cognitive and adaptive deficits compounded by significant psychiatric problems. These individuals pose a dilemma to human service agencies, which have historically become specialized to provide services for either problem, but not for both. Special guidelines for structuring therapeutic groups…

Uses knowledge about group developmental stages as an aid in diagnosing group and individual status and movement, in planning the course of the group, and in aiding its progress. (Author/ABB)

Provides social marketing guidelines for attracting members of appropriate target groups and encouraging their participation in group activities. Includes examination of the personal and social framework of the group counselor, elements of social marketing theory, a case study illustrating difficulties encountered by novice group counselors in…