Values and the Opportunities for Group Approaches, the Challenges and the Methods to Meet Them - Article Example

Introduction Long before the era of civilization, settlement movement’s awareness created the notion that people should identify themselves with specific group depending on their culture and social class alignment. According to Breton, the social workers of today are not comparable to those of the pre-modern world. Today people are system thinkers and are sophisticated in terms of knowledge particularly on how outsized systems influence the individuals, families and small groups. However, Breton notes curiously that, failure to apply the knowledge to incorporate individuals and small groups into the large systems has delayed the whole process of social and policy change efforts (Breton, 1989). Group intervention programs may be projected from numerous angles, which may include group counseling, cognitive behavior, specialty groups and family counseling. This paper intends to examine group intervention attributed to cognitive behavior intended to change a group of individuals who abuse substances. Cognitive behavior emphasize on interventions that will enable the victim to have a changed mind on beliefs and values. It is imperative to note that cognitive behavior approach apply communication as its main instrument of imparting change related knowledge. However, it should be noted that communication as tool of operation has its own limitations, which include misinterpretation and misunderstanding. The two shortcomings can be avoided or occur in low-levels. This is through asking individualized questions on the relevant subtopic or topic of engagement. Breton sounds skeptical on the trend advanced towards therapy. Breton asserts that, social work is quickly becoming a form of psychotherapy consequently; the role to be played by social groups is likely to diminish depending on the magnitude of the trend (Breton, 1989). Question one Identify and briefly describe a population that you are working with in field that could benefit from a group-based intervention. My population is mandated and voluntary substance abusers. It is called Creedmoor addiction treatment, center agency ideology on group methods. It is intended to help group members by stimulating communication amongst them. The agency is working individually and to some extent with different models of such kind, in producing improved outcomes for group members and families. The agency services both mandated and voluntary clients from 18 through their sixties as long as they fit the criteria of their guidelines concerning financial capacity and that of fitting substance abusers. This group is flexible in service delivery because the services are available to persons who are in need of the inpatient care for addiction and reside in the county services. It is imperative to note that, admission to this agency is voluntary; however, a few rules and regulations apply. Some of them include climbing the staircase alone without support and ready to cooperate with all the rules guiding the program. It is notable that no individual will be denied services due to the financial inadequacies. More over the Creedmoor ATC provides extra services to homeless men. Besides the mentioned services, the program offers complete array of medical services and referrals to both continued care and housing assistance. Question two Using at least two different readings from the course syllabus*, what are three key values or benefits of using a group approach with this population? There are numerous benefits attributed to group approach to this population; however, the most critical ones include immense output, reduced bias, and increased commitment. For the case of immense output, the policy of the higher the subjects involved calls for adequate human resources to work closely with the victims in a bid to have maximal output. In actual sense when there are more professional offering services to a group of individuals, tendency of competition emerges and this promotes better and immense output. This aspect enables both the service deliverers and receivers to develop a sense of identity and belonging through deepened knowledge and attitudes. On the other hand, reduced bias is a positive effect attained when a group approach is applied in the population under study. It is imperative to note that, when group approach is applied, hardly does bias exist in terms of service delivery. According to Shulman, (2006) time is well consumed in disseminating the services and other additional care. More over, there is no room created for partiality, because every victim is treated the same way, at the same time with same materials and to some extent the same experts (Shulman, 2006). Similarly, group approach enhances increased commitment and interactions. When the service men or women are working in a group, they tend to be motivated amongst themselves. It is fundamental to note that the working staff finds it more convenient to distribute themselves in groups when attending particular sub groups of victims. The spirit of teamwork exhibited by the staff through group approach impact the patients in a positive manner, consequently, contribution to improved results of the population (Forte, 2009). However, there is a drawback to all this. The socialization or interaction offered might be highly constraining and domineering for some of the members due to the unseen troubling factors of the society (Galinsky & Schopler, 1995). They can also become environments that advance interpersonal conflict. Furthermore, the confines drawn around groups ends up being another silent process of excluding certain people (sometimes to their disadvantage) consequently forming an inter-group conflict. There is also substantiation to show that groups can manipulate upon persons in ways that distort their judgements and that lead to detrimental decision making Question 3 Using at least one reading from the course syllabus on models/theories of group practice*, what type of group approach do you propose. The developmental process of a group is a complicated aspect due to the interdependence element. Group practice and growth can be examined through the Tuckman’s model. This model remains one of the most influential models in examining the growth and progress of a group in practice. Tuckman’s model consists of four major stages namely forming, storming, norming and performing (Gitterman, 2006). This model is easy to follow and understand each step. The four stages are fundamental in any group development process and the fact that, the model is simple and self-interpreted, it is recommended for this study. It is imperative to note that, if the Tuckman’s model is applied in this study, the group members are likely to benefit a lot in numerous ways. For instances the model projects forming, performing and norming project to one base or dependent variable which is storming. It is essential to observe that a clear-cut group approach immensely determine the kind of services and satisfaction the individuals at the receiving end get (Gitterman, 2006). It is imperative to note that, the model is easier to apply and convenient. With the model, it is possible to outline the areas of unsatisfactory and satisfactory aspects of the group’s members. This is critical in assessing the successes of the group in dissemination the services required of it. The model observes that, there is immense variance between the conception of those victims below 20 years and those above 20 years all through to 60 years. The difference in age, level of alcohol addiction and mental status has immensely contributed to this disparity. It is notable that, this disparity in conception might stand at this level or rise depending on how faster the group adjusts to addressing special needs of age and level addiction which have been observed to be an impediment to proper conception and interpretation of the information disseminating. Question 4 Using at least three different readings from the course syllabus*, what are key challenges or obstacles to group interventions with this population? How would you address each of these challenges? The group intervention with this population is not an easy undertaking bearing in mind the magnitude of endless responsibility in meeting the diverse needs of the victims under the same environment. It is imperative to note that, the group intervention is intended to reach out to the desires of victims (substance abusers) and aid them reduce the intended unwanted habits. It is evident that more time is required to address the individuals at group level and to some extent at individual level (Malekoff, 2010). This study observes that, more resources are required to carry out the evaluation process intended to gauge the level of acquaintance to the new environment and the overall progress in reducing substance abuse recurrence habits and adjusting to other non-substance abuse edibles. From the agency point of view, the issue of limited time and other necessary resources come because of lack of adequate facilitators due to inadequate financing. On the community point of view, this challenge can be perceived as an occurrence due to negligence and lack of commitment to social work and projects in terms of funding and even offering free services to the program (Malekoff, 2010). However from the client point of view, it is a loss because, payment for the services is made. Similarly, the intervention group faces a major financial challenge due to flat rate levying of school fee without considering the level of time demand needed by the students (Malekoff, 2010). This situation is not pleasant at all, since it can contribute immensely towards the failure of social group. In actual sense finances and budgetary issues of a social group is a sensitive issue, which requires the audience of the community, agency and client (Gitterman, 2006). As among the numerous members of the society, I feel it is critical for plans to be hatched to raise finances for such social groups to avoid budgetary constraints. It is notable that, the pay made by the victims at time does not correlate with the nature of expenditure bearing in mind the dynamism in the economic status (Gitterman, 2006). Another significant challenge is limited number of counselors. The ratio of the victims to that of the available counselors tends to be insufficient. Counselors are expensive to hire and in most cases the few do not conform to the required ratio and this may lead to inefficiency in service delivery (Malekoff, 2010). Question 5 Using the Wayne & Cohen Planning Guide for Social Work Groups** format; discuss your actual or proposed group in relation to each of the eight headings. Agency This is a new group for the agency. However, it has had persons aged from 18 years to those with more than fifty years; it is called Creedmoor addiction treatment, center agency ideology on group methods. It is intended to help group members by stimulating communication amongst them (Yalom, & Leszcz,). The agency is working individually and to some extent with different models of such kind, in producing improved outcomes for group members and families. The agency services both mandated and voluntary clients from 18 through their sixties as long as they fit the criteria of their guidelines concerning financial capacity and that of fitting substance abusers. The Agency runs an n intervention program to thwart the habit if drinking and substance abuse. Te targeted group of persons join the Agency voluntarily. This group is flexible in service delivery because the services are available to persons who are in need of the inpatient care for addiction and reside in the county services (Yalom, Leszcz, 2005). The group wholly funded by the clients and partially by the organizations that support intervention programs on substance abuse. Client needs: possible stoppage of substance abuse, learn and associate with others, Group purpose: To help persons with disorders in substance abuse to cope up with the current environment. To adopt values other than substance abuse. The center offers advice on the family matters. Te parents live in the City county area. Group composition: Counselors responsible for advising the addicts, other professional to manage small ailments. Group structure: The group is physically located. It is called Creedmoor addiction treatment, center agency ideology on group methods. The center is open for seven days a week. There are fees levied to all the members since they are the Agency’s financial agency. It is imperative to note that, the workers are empowered by the organization. The members are warmly organized. The members are encouraged to work and make other requisite networking, The group content: any group like this one should be having a thoughough guideline on the content of the group. This dimples that Formatting strategy: recruitment is done in a transparent manner. The process is on until the new firms are registered communication about recruitment is done through fliers and schools (Sloane, 2003). This brings the church community and the parents across the community. Evaluation Strategy: this strategy is intended for measuring the Agency’s programmers’ and processes. Question 6 Discuss your plans for an initial group session or describe how you conducted the first session. What are/were your goals for these initial sessions? Anticipated statements and anticipated reactions. The first session turned out to be interesting out of my expectation. At first, I was hesitant to introduce the topic drug and substance abuse hoping that I will get immense opposition. However, the audience turned out to be a participatory one. As started introducing the topic drug, substance abuse and its effects; I just saw almost 100% concentration (Yalom, Leszcz, 2005). The discussion became more interesting especially when the audience asked the questions which I anticipated. For instance, I have tried several times to stop drinking but I am not able, please help me know how to stop drinking? “To start with besides drinking, I can assure you that to stop doing something you have made a norm is not easy, it is not an event that you perform once and you are done, no, it is a process. Primarily It has to be in your mind that you are about to start a fundamental revolution in your life, and then start by reducing the quantity you normally take. Ensure that each day you reduce drinking alcohol or any other substance you drink an alternative such as juice, or milk. This process should pick slowly until the body adjusts. It is imperative to note that this process is more psychological than physical. It is about setting your mind that you do not want to smoke or drink. I strongly believe that this process requires patience and courage from God. As we go on with the humanly processes, we should remember God has the last answer on our destiny. What do I mean here? It is simple, God has our destiny in His hands, hence, we should be prayerful and repent our sins such that God can take control in our lives” (Yalom, Leszcz, 2005). Another question raised this time round by a woman was, what do you do when you find out that the most influential person in your life is your husband and he encourages substance abuse? Yes indeed, you have very nice questions, I which time would have allowed us to engage each other in a deeper sense on this matter. In essence, most of the good or bad things we do emanate from peer group influence, however for this case, it might be a couple influence. This is a tricky situation because, one is influenced from her own house, you sleep and wake up to find the substance abuser just around and in most cases asking you to join him. As I mentioned earlier this is a matter of psychological set up (Yalom, Leszcz, 2005). One should set his/her mind that no engagement in substance abuse however much pressure might be. In actual sense, once one has set up the mind that no to drugs, it becomes the surest way to abandon the habit. In essence, what I am trying to say is that, abandoning this habit is squarely inclined to the abuser. The long process has to start with a step and this step is changing the mindset. Question 7 Based on the skills described in the AASWG Standards for Social Work Practice with Groups, discuss three skills you used, or expect to use in the beginning stage of the group. Numerous skills can be used in presenting t the beginning of the group. I find creating general friendship one of the best skills to apply when handling such a group (Sloane, 2003). Friendship enables closing down the gap between the clients and me. This makes tem free to open up and say what their mind without fear of ridicule. Another skill is that of employing the aspect of appreciation, I find appreciation forming the basis of stating to get the deeper peoples of the clients. One needs to appreciate them, they way they look, behave and even talk (Sloane, 2003). This creates an opportunity to understand them better for productive subsequent discussions. Finally, the aspect of giving even small gifts to those engage in the discussion. This will make the audience active and lively. This promotes healthy discussions Question 8 What is your critique of your work? How might you have proceeded differently? If you are referring to a group that has not met, what challenges do you anticipate and how would you address them? This work can be termed as good not excellent because of inadequate acquaintance of the clients and first time presentation, however, subsequent work are likely to be excellent due to the acquired knowledge on the conduct, level of understanding and interpretation of the clients or victims (Sloane, 2003). The nest time might be different since the true picture f the audience is now in the mind. The approach has to change from the uncertain mindset to certain mindset of the audience. Some of the challenges anticipated include misinterpretation and insincerity in expressing personal experience. This can be avoided through a dedicated process of making the victims understand and appreciate themselves. References Malekoff, A. (2010). The use of group work to fight acute external threats to a community-based organization during harsh economic times. Social Work with Groups, 33(1). 4-22. Muskat, B., Mishna, F., Farina, F. & Wiener, J. (2010). “We may not like it but we guess we have to do it”: Bringing agency-based staff on board with evidence-based group work. Social Work with Groups, 33(2/3). 229-247. Sloane, C. (2003). How did we get here? The importance of sharing with members the reasons for a group’s formation and the history f its development. Social Work with Groups, 26(2). 35-49 Wayne, J. & Gateman, A. (2003). Offensive behavior in groups: Challenges and opportunities. Social Work with Groups, 26(2). 23-34. Yalom, I. D. & Leszcz, M. (2005). The therapist: Working in the here and now (Chapter 6, pp.114-200). In: The theory and practice of group psychotherapy, 3rd Ed. New York: Basic Books. Read More