How Personal Growth and Task Groups Work (SAGE Human Services Guides)

By Robert K. Conyne

Here is a practical, clearly written volume on how practitioners can develop effective groups. It offers a graphic and well-conceptualized account of two major categories of groups: task groups (committee and planning groups) for solving problems and accomplishing goals; and personal groups (psychotherapy and growth groups) for achieving individual change and developing interpersonal skills. The author utilizes two extensive examples--or continuing "stories"--throughout the volume to demonstrate the applicability of his techniques for group development. In addition, each chapter is devoted to a phase of group development, such as orientation, organization, data flow, and problem solving. Comprehensive as well as practical, this volume will serve as an effective group development roadmap for practitioners and students in counseling, social work, psychology, education, management, and organizational studies. "Conyne′s short volume fulfills its promise to be a very practical guide to group work. Its story form is particularly illuminating for beginning students of group process. The stages of group development, the evolution of group leadership skills and the role of the consultant are presented in a way that makes it easy for the instructor to illustrate theories of working with groups. Highly recommended." --University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee "The strength of the book is that the consultant′s relationship with task group leader and the mutual sharing between the two counselors in the growth group provide a model for openness, discussion of feelings, problem identification and resolution on a number of important issues related to groups." --AACD Guidepost

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0803933401
• ISBN13: 9780803933408
• Release Date: March 1989
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc
• Length: 128 Pages
• Weight: 0.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.5" x 0.5" x 5.5"