Routledge On Becoming a Group Member: Personal Growth and Effectiveness in Group Counseling

This book provides an introduction to the general landscape of group counseling by way of the idea that learning to be an effective group member is essential to becoming a group leader. Interactive scenarios place the reader right into the group, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities of participation. Each chapter explores a different stage of group work and concludes with useful suggestions and tips for having a successful experience. Throughout the book, an emphasis is placed on member development and personal growth being achieved through self-awareness, interpersonal experiences, and dynamic ways of being. Cultural diversity, ethics and confidentiality, and involvement strategies and skills are also discussed. With its unique, practical, and engaging approach, this book will be invaluable to counseling students as an excellent complement to the theory and research on group counseling. Review Shakoor has written an essential handbook for group members who engage in experiential learning as part of their training in group work. This handy manual is engagingly, effectively and informally written to serve as a guide to becoming an effective group member. James Trotzer, PhD, BEHS Resource Faculty, Granite State College This book recaptures the lost art of acknowledging that the self is the primary tool of the counselor. By relating the exploration of self to one’s growth as a group leader, this book provides an excellent resource for counselor training.  Kevin A. Fall, PhD, Associate Professor of Counseling, Texas State University Both prospective participants and current students can gain an insider’s look at group counseling from this book…It uses rich, descriptive and continuing group scenarios to cogently illustrate essential group development and processes. In addition, the book’s grounding in multicultural contexts and theory set it apart as a book for its time. Robert K. Conyne, PhD, Professor Emeritus, University of Cincinnati Shakoor appears to be a seasoned worker with much experience. He demonstrates an ability to simplify complex concepts. This is evident in the graceful language he uses to describe facets of the group experience...the drama of the fictitious group is compelling, and the author's descriptions of psychological concepts are pertinent to social group workers. The book's strength lies in the author's use of language, especially when discussing aspects of self-awareness. Keren Ludwig, Social Work with Groups