1. Group Counseling -John Michael Lu Esquivel

2. INTRODUCTION Counseling is derived from the word “counsel” which literally means “to give advice” Dictionary meaning of the word “counseling” is that [it is kind of a] help with personal or psychological matters usually given by a professional” (Encarta Dictionary, 2009). Counseloris someone who gives counseling Counseleeis the person receiving counseling. Whereas its dictionary meanings are very simple technically counseling refers to something beyond just giving advice. We will discuss next.

3. There are many times in our lives when we all really feel we need someone to listen to us. This is basically what counseling is - someone to listen to you. The purpose of counseling is to enable you to resolve your issues so that you can have more happiness and joy in your life. In the counseling sessions the client can explore various aspects of their life and feelings, talking about them freely and openly in a way that is rarely possible with friends or family.

4. HOW IS IT DIFFERENT FROM PSYCHOTHERAPY? Psychotherapy emphasizes the past detachment of the therapist insight the therapist’s role as expert Counseling is concerned with the present collaboration with clients change behavior not imposing values

5. 1: Counseling As A Process: : 1: Counseling As A Process: Counseling is a process in which the counselor, or therapist, helps you understand the causes for your problems and guides you through the process of learning to make good life. Counseling is a process that enables a person to sort out issues and reach decisions affecting their life. Often counseling is sought out at times of change or crisis, it need not be so, however, as counseling can also help us at any time of our life.

6. 2: Solving Problems: 2: Solving Problems: Counseling involves talking with a person in a way that helps that person solve a problem or helps to create conditions that will cause the person to understand and/or improve his behavior, character, values or life circumstances . examination phobia, Transition to university Personal conflicts, Slow learners Adjustment problems

7. 3: Face to Face Sessions: 3: Face to Face Sessions: Counseling is often performed face-to-face in confidential sessions between the counselor and client(s). However, counseling can also be undertaken by telephone, in writing and, in these days of the Internet, by email or video conferencing

8. DEFFINITION: DEFFINITION: #1:The definition of counseling states that it is a theory-based process which helps clients to resolve every day life issues and concerns. That simply means that your counselor will work to help you solve your own problems. #2:The British Association of Counseling and Psychotherapy(BACP) definition of counseling. Counseling takes place when a counselor sees a client in a private and confidential setting to explore a difficulty the client is having, distress they may be experiencing or perhaps their dissatisfaction with life, or loss of a sense of direction and purpose. It is always at the request of the client as no one can properly be 'sent' for counseling 3:the definition of counseling in a nutshell is that, a counselor is a guide to help you understand your issues, to guide you through them, and to help you learn to do it on your own. #4: something that provides direction or advice as to a decision or course of action

9. Group Counseling WHAT IS A GROUP? The group is a place where you can experiment with different ways of behaving. You may want to try talking more, or being quieter than usual. You may find yourself disagreeing with people in the group on certain points and feel your opinions become more clearly defined. As you listen to other people's experiences, you will have a chance to compare them with your own. You will probably find that conversations you take part in during the group will help to enrich your friendships outside.

10. GROUP COUNSELLING : GROUP COUNSELLING Group counseling is a form of therapy, which posits that people benefit from shared experiences. Usually group counseling is focused on a particular issue, for example anger management. While a therapist usually manages group counseling, contributions from other members in the group are considered valuable since all in the group share similar issues.

11. One of the main principals behind group counseling is the idea that dealing with specific issues may cause isolation, and a feeling that one is alone in facing one’s problems. Group counseling attempts to counteract this isolation by assembling people with similar issues to enforce that difficulties are not singular to one person. Additionally, knowing other people with similar troubles can be comforting to each individual, who may not have access in their own family and friends to people with the same problem. Examples Some forms of group counseling take place in psychiatric hospitals. The success of such therapy often depends upon the diversity of people’s conditions. Other group counseling is more like Drug Addicts meetings and may not be counselor directed, but may merely be a group of people meeting to help find their way out of addiction. Cont:

12. Learning About Yourself: A counseling group consists of between five and eight people, supported by a facilitator. Members meet together regularly to learn more about themselves and how they relate to others. Self learning and Experimenting: Group counseling is an invaluable tool for self-learning and experimenting with different ways of behaving. If you have never dared to show a certain side of yourself before, this may be the place to start.

13. Sharing Experiences: Group counseling is a form of therapy, which posits that people benefit from shared experiences. Usually group counseling is focused on a particular issue, for example obsessive-compulsive disorder or anger management. While a therapist usually manages group counseling, contributions from other members in the group are considered valuable since all in the group share similar issues.

14. ADVANTAGES OF GROUP COUNSELLING : 1. Providing Unique Environment: Group counseling can offer a unique environment in which to learn about and experience both self and others. We all live in groups for much of our lives and working together with others in a group can provide valuable insights into characteristic patterns of thinking and relating in a group setting. 2. Exploring the Issues in Depth: The group experience gives individuals an opportunity to explore their issues in more depth, in a setting which more closely resembles work, study, social and family groupings 3. Avoiding Isolation and Loneliness: One of the main principals behind group counseling is the idea that dealing with specific issues may cause isolation, and a feeling that one is alone in facing one’s problems. Group counseling attempts to counteract this isolation by assembling people with similar issues to enforce that difficulties are not singular to one person. Additionally, knowing other people with similar troubles can be comforting to each individual, who may not have access in their own family and friends to people with the same problem.

15. 4. Highly Organized:Group counseling may be highly organized, with people doing specific activities together and then sharing the results. Alternately, it may be more freeform, where people share current issues related to the group’s purpose. One person’s verbal contributions to a group might be discussed, validated, and provoke problem solving by other group members in a session. It might also be an entry into a discussion regarding a certain aspect of an illness or condition that is then primarily led by the therapist. 5. Group Counseling Costs Less : Some people find the group counseling experience a better alternative than private therapy because it tends to cost less. Frequently group counseling is covered by insurance, and many groups offer sliding scale fees for those without insurance. 6. Help Others and Being Helped: Provides the opportunity to help others as well as being helped. 7. Feeling of Empowerment Gives the feeling of empowerment It helps build confidence and self-esteem so that you may feel more in control of your life. 8. Improvement By Sensitivity and Insight: Group members improve from the sensitivity and insight of the Counselor. 9. Promoting Growth and Change: Group members provide different perspectives which are often helpful in promoting growth and change.

16. DISADVANTAGES OF GROUP COUNSELLING: 1. Too Large Groups Suffers: Not all group counseling efforts are completely successful .Occasionally, group therapy suffers if a group is too large or small Usually group counseling works best when an experienced counselor can redirect a person who is sharing too much, and allow equal time for people to share their ideas, problems or opinions. 2. Monopolizing the Group : Group therapy may also become problematic when one person appears to monopolize the group. People may vary in their need for therapy, and generally those who monopolize a group should not be despised but should be redirected to private counseling, where the person is the sole focus of attention. After some time in private sessions, a person may feel less need to monopolize a group counseling session.

17. Conclusion Conclusion Group counseling is indeed a very effective way to solve one’s problem. It is a process through which severe problems can be tackled properly. In order to carry out effective group counseling, one should keep group members respect and dignity in mind.

18. Review COUNSELLING The definition of counseling in a nutshell is that, a counselor is a guide to help you understand your issues, to guide you through them, and to help you learn to do it on your own. GROUP COUNSELLING: Group counseling is a form of therapy, which posits that people benefit from shared. experiences

19. Thank you!!!