Appropriate Group Method and Model - Essay Sample

Introduction

Considering Paula Cortez's psychological and medical history, group therapy is my preferred approach. A group therapy setting can help her deal with issues arising out of her complex condition. Cortez ails from HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. Besides, she experiences motion challenges due to decreased ability to use her arm. Particular issues are likely to worsen her state. These include the high-risk of being pregnant and the stress that comes with it. Her mental condition explains her medication non-compliance and tendency to lie. It is also highly likely that Cortez does not take her health issues seriously as expected of her. Surprisingly, some members of her treatment team tasked with taking care of her fail to caution her.

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Through the dynamics of a therapy setting, Cortez can learn the need to commit to raising the child. Sharing of personal accounts by members will provide sufficient motivation for her. She already decided to keep her baby, thus deserves support, regardless of her physical and mental health issues. The support group will be beneficial for Paula as she can explore ways to cope with her stress. Socializing and forming bonds with new people can help raise her self-esteem (Plummer, Makris, & Brocksen, 2014). Friends can provide the meaningful support required for her to improve her quality of life. The safe environment will motivate Paula to share her story. Sharing her experience will lighten the emotional burden she carries which poses a risk to her unborn child and strains her condition.

The group shall comprise 8-10 members. A small group allows for open discussion, and each member can participate (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The group leader or facilitator can also manage the group efficiently and pay attention to everyone. Membership selection prioritizes persons who have issues similar or related to Paula's to ensure group cohesiveness. The preferred group leader should have experience in the community and sufficient knowledge of the subject. As a facilitator, the leader has to be undergoing similar issues. The participants shall meet once or twice a week. The agenda of the meetings shall entail various matters. These can include the group's objectives, the course of action, and necessary adjustments to the group.

The involvement of a social worker is a viable option. The worker can link the team to essential resources crucial to the success of the group. The group leader should emphasize the group's importance to the participants. Group processes should help in accomplishing individual member goals. It is beneficial to allow the members to exercise autonomy over the operations of the group. Giving them a chance to decide on aspects such as the time of meeting and duration fosters a sense of ownership and belonging (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Developing ground rules from the beginning is fundamental. Rules governing confidentiality and mutual respect ensure continuity of the group.

The group offers a useful platform for members to encourage one another through their experiences. It will nurture faith and optimism for better days. It will provide comfort and unique support that Paula may not receive from the community, her family and friends. For Paula, the group offers a safe environment, free of criticism. Since most of the members are facing relatively similar issues, she can easily interact and share with them. Having dealt with problems such as constant medication and stigmatization, they all have a common background. Thus, none is likely to judge the other.

The group presents an opportunity for her to learn how to deal and cope with aspects of her condition positively. According to Lasky and Riva (2006), group therapy fails to account for the exceptionality of every member's situation. Regardless, the group draws strength from the shared personal experiences. Besides, there is no guarantee that members can uphold the group norms. Issues such as breach of confidentiality and lack of mutual respect threaten its cohesiveness. Lack of unity affects the functionality and effectiveness of the group (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Besides, the lack of a precise evaluation method limits members from taking pride in their achievements.

References

Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. M. (Eds.). (2014). Social work case studies: Concentration year. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.

Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.