Failures in Group Work: How We Can Learn from Our Mistakes

Actual failures in group work are examined in this book, as are the ways in which group leaders learnt from their mistakes, transforming failure into success. Two chapters are devoted to each major type of group work: task groups; psychoeducational groups; counselling groups; and psychotherapy groups. In each case study presented, Robert K Conyne covers the background, focuses on the group leadership functions of planning, performing and processing, and analyzes the major elements of the case.

Table of Contents:
PART ONE: THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK A Framework for Examining Group Work PART TWO: TASK GROUPS Developing a Group Program The Task Group Leader Should Not Deliver Group Counseling PART THREE: PSYCHOEDUCATION GROUPS Missing the Driving Force Lacking a Plan PART FOUR: COUNSELING GROUPS Surprise and Challenge in Group Leadership Violating the Code PART FIVE: PSYCHOTHERAPY GROUPS Problems with Diversity You Need To Trust the Process PART SIX: CONCLUSION Learning from Our Mistakes through Processing

About the Author :
Robert K. Conyne, Ph.D., William A. Allen Boeing Endowed Chair & Distinguished Professor, Seattle University, 2013-14 and Professor Emeritus from the University of Cincinnati, is a licensed psychologist, clinical counselor, and fellow of the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) and the American Psychological Association. He has amassed 42 years of professional experience as a university professor and department head, counselor, administrator, consultant, and trainer, and, most recently, as a consultant to military personnel and their families at U.S. installations both at home and overseas. Bob has received many awards, including Eminent Career Award from the ASGW; Lifetime Achievement Award in Prevention, Society of Counseling Psychology of the APA; Distinguished Alumni Award of Distinction from Purdue University; and has been designated a Soros International Scholar. He was the 2009 president of the APA's Division of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy, and in 1996 was president of the Association for Specialists in Group Work. With over 200 scholarly publications and presentations including 14 books in his areas of expertise (group work, prevention, and ecological counseling), along with broad international consultation in these areas, Bob is recognized as an expert in working with people and systems. With colleague (and wife), Lynn S. Rapin, Ph.D., he also helps people plan and prepare psychologically for their upcoming retirement, using the holistic approach they developed, "Charting Your Personal Future." His most recent publication is the Prevention Practice Kit, co-edited with Arthur M. Horne, Ph.D., immediately preceded by the Handbook of Group Counseling (edited, Oxford University Press, 2011). Forthcoming is the Group Work Practice Kit (edited, Sage). In all these edited books, Bob also authored contributions.

Review :
"I view this book as essential in an advanced group work course and for all experienced group counselors who want to continue to develop their skills. The case examples are great. They are detailed and well written."