Essay Example on Group Dynamics: Exploring Support & Prevention Groups

In your textbook, Social Work with Groups: Comprehensive Practice and Self-Care read Chapter 8, "Self-Help Groups" and Chapter 11, "Educational Groups: With a Focus on Self-Care." Also, watch the two brief movie clip examples of groups. Based on your reading and observations, respond to the following questions about your perspective of support and prevention groups. Refer to your assigned readings and materials to support your ideas and thoughts when returning to the following questions.

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What skills and dynamics (or lack thereof) of self-help groups, support groups, and prevention groups did you observe in the movie clips?

The groups are voluntary, whereby the members form it and run it. The groups are also open for other new; members are having regular meetings. The members have a common interest in responding to a particular issue. They have teamwork, and the opinion of everyone is welcomed.

How could attendance at groups like these benefit someone who is struggling with obstacles such as anger and addiction?

The groups are an avenue where individuals with a different manner of need met. People share their struggles and how they are dealing with it (Snowpro, 2016). This sharing would help someone dealing with anger or addiction in several ways. They will know that they are not alone. Having people who have the same problem and understand them acts as motivation, especially as they want to change together.

What opportunities does a social worker in either of these groups have to intervene and create more significant benefit and safety for group members?

A social worker serves to moderate the group, including the discussions, to ensure calmness. The social worker ensures that the information shared is confidential and no member strays. The situations which members may not be able to or not know how to handle would e left to the social worker. The social worker also links the experiences of the members with philosophies and theories in an attempt to solve and challenges the members (Thompson, 2013).

Overall, what are the benefits and limitations related to the implementation and facilitation of support groups, self-help groups, and prevention groups?

The groups provide an environment for an easy solution to problems for individuals. It also provides an avenue where individuals obtain a sense of belonging, knowing they are not struggling alone. It is an opportunity for a broader scope of ideas on how to solve daily life problems. It gives a chance for individuals to improve. The limitation is that sharing of secret and confidential information with strangers may be difficult. The therapy activities provide uncomfortable for some members.

According to Zaztro, 2007, support groups provide an avenue of sharing life and fun. Members can also be there for each other in time of emergency.

References

Zaztro, C. (2007). Social Work with Groups: Comprehensive Practice and Self-care

Thompson E. (2013). Using Theories in Groups. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYc_APlH7VY

Snowpro, J. (2016). Dead Beat Dad Conference. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpDkK_xHdQ