Essay Example on Creating a Secure and Supportive Group Environment

I provided a warm, safe and a trusting atmosphere for the group by going above and beyond to establish the rules of the group as well as its structure. I made sure that all the group members were aware of the direction and action plan to follow in achieving the goal of the group. To ensure that every person in the group was well informed before starting the task, an overview of the group explanations were given and to build trust with one another; the group provided confidentiality within and out of the group. However, since we had some rules guiding the group, there were some few exceptions when confidentiality would be broken. For instance, if we found that one was a danger to self, to others, or in cases of child abuse as required by the law. During my co-facilitation, I ensured equality in the group by providing that each individual had the opportunity to share anything they felt like sharing.

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I tried being a positive role model during the group co-facilitation by disclosing myself to the group members in an appropriate way and setting the proper tone for the group which would enable every individual to be free while sharing their experiences. However, I still think I should have tried been I little more in touch because I noticed that some things like my life situations held me back to the point that most of the times I found myself drifting from the actual group input and only focusing on myself. For instance, during the group exercise, the first member asked me to give him an opportunity for output after the last member had finished their input, but I ended up skipping him and moved on to the next topic. Although it was corrected and he gave his input, I still felt I should have been aware of the group and recalled his request.

Been aware that empathy enables one to have a proper understanding of the members, I did exceptionally well in this area by communicating with the members in a respectable and caring manner. I asked open-minded questions to allow the members to discuss more on what they were willing to say without hindrance. I also ensured that after the discussion, I reflected on them on what I thought they were saying to provide affirmation as well as clarification.

Although I tried making closer connections with the rest of the members in the group by communicating with respect, care and in an empathetic manner, I doubt whether I was fully supportive of everyone's feelings. Even though I felt that for the most part, I was, there are some instances which make me doubt my skills in supporting the member's expression of their feelings. For example, the instance where I failed to return to the first member who had passed but still requested to have some input and moved to the next topic. I think I acted like I did not care about everyone's feelings, and I need to improve on this when it comes to group settings.

Still, in some point I failed in considering the feelings of one of the group members but the mistake was corrected, and he later gave on his input. I, therefore, believe that I supported every individual in making healthy decisions and in dealing with their problems. I listened to every decision form all the group members. I also supported them on how they had dealt with prior issues within the family system with the family rules, either spoken or unspoken.

From the start, I ensured that I shared the group vision to every member of the group. During the go-around warm-up, I ensured that I provided every member with the main focus of the group. I explained to the members why feedback was essential and that the proper response was to say thank you. I encouraged every member to share something with one member that they had observed and also appreciate them. I modelled the warm-up through going first and made sure that I allowed the members to choose the next person to speak until every individual in the group ended up participating.

Generally, I can rate the group's performance as 5/5 since I felt that it progressed through the process very well. Each member was able to participate through sharing their feelings and experiences with all the other members in the group. They all showed respect to one another, and every individual was given equal opportunity to present their views. I feel that the progress made by the group was much better than I had even anticipated in the warm-up go round. Most of the individuals in the group were open-minded on the diverse views on the effects of family rules and messages in their lives.

I enjoyed working with my co-facilitator, Kim since she showed excellent leadership skills during the group facilitation. Kim was observant of all the happenings in the group, asked open-ended questions and made sure that she reflected on what every member had said fostering care and empathy during the group discussion. She was very open on how we were to conduct the group and in establishing the roles and responsibilities of every individual in the group as well as the rules and guidelines which were to guide the group during the entire process. During the go-around group warm-up, Kim and I ensured that we followed every member and gave them equal opportunities for feedback from one another in the group. Kim's focus on asking open-minded questions made every person comfortable in sharing their rules and messages in the family as they grew up. She made sure that she corrected me when I failed to come back around to a member who had passed and was asking for an opportunity for input.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I generally felt that working with my co-facilitator Kim contributed to the positive outcomes in the group. We worked together effectively to ensure that the group was on track and that every member was treated with equality and respect during the entire process. Collaborating with Kim to facilitate the group is what made the group succeed.