Working with Groups

Abstract

It is probably true to say that every method discussed so far could be used when working with groups. Much of the early literature on groupwork arose from group analytic methods, however there is growing interest in the effectiveness of cognitive therapy with groups. Some writers view family therapy as groupwork (Zastrow, 1985). However, because family therapy uses such different methods, despite many concepts being the same, it is probably better not to consider it as groupwork. Community work also uses groupwork as a major form of intervention (see Twelvetrees, 1991). Having said that, it might be assumed that groupwork involves using any method of intervention, but with more than two people. Groupwork is more than this, and this chapter will explore some of the theories which support groupwork as a separate, and some argue, more effective method of intervention, as well as looking at different stages of groupwork intervention. It introduces some of the types and purposes of groups, comments on the tasks for the worker, discusses how to handle particular difficulties, and recommends literature which is most accessible to students and workers.