Group Work Leadership: An Introduction for Helpers

This text presents an evidence-based approach to the theory and practice of group work. Renowned counselor, psychologist, and group work fellow Dr. Robert K. Conyne advances this unique and evolving service in a three-part, comprehensive overview of the skills necessary for trainees of counseling and other helping professionals to succeed in group settings. Section I covers the breadth and foundations of group work; best practice and ethical considerations; dynamics and processes in group work; and how groups tend to develop over time. Section II explores group work leadership styles, methods, techniques, and strategies, as well as both traditional and innovative group work theories. Section III examines the role of reflection in group practice, as well as selecting effective intervention strategies in various settings.

 

Group Work Leadership: An Introduction for Helpers is part of the Counseling and Professional Identity series, which targets the development of specific competencies as identified by CACREP (Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs).

Robert K. Conyne, Ph.D., William A. Allen Boeing Endowed Chair & Distinguished Professor, Seattle University, 2013-14 and Professor Emeritus from the University of Cincinnati, is a licensed psychologist, clinical counselor, and fellow of the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) and the American Psychological Association. He has amassed 42 years of professional experience as a university professor and department head, counselor, administrator, consultant, and trainer, and, most recently, as a consultant to military personnel and their families at U.S. installations both at home and overseas. Bob has received many awards, including Eminent Career Award from the ASGW; Lifetime Achievement Award in Prevention, Society of Counseling Psychology of the APA; Distinguished Alumni Award of Distinction from Purdue University; and has been designated a Soros International Scholar. He was the 2009 president of the APA′s Division of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy, and in 1996 was president of the Association for Specialists in Group Work. With over 200 scholarly publications and presentations including 14 books in his areas of expertise (group work, prevention, and ecological counseling), along with broad international consultation in these areas, Bob is recognized as an expert in working with people and systems. With colleague (and wife), Lynn S. Rapin, Ph.D., he also helps people plan and prepare psychologically for their upcoming retirement, using the holistic approach they developed, "Charting Your Personal Future." His most recent publication is the Prevention Practice Kit, co-edited with Arthur M. Horne, Ph.D., immediately preceded by the Handbook of Group Counseling (edited, Oxford University Press, 2011).  Forthcoming is the Group Work Practice Kit (edited, Sage).  In all these edited books, Bob also authored contributions.