Overview:

 In this assignment, you will have the opportunity to create your own group based on what you have learned from the class.

 Your assignment will be to develop a group aimed at treating a disorder or population of your choice. Assume you are employed at a local non-profit agency and are writing the proposal to your supervisor. The proposal should address many of the topics and concepts we have discussed throughout the term.

 Instructions:          

 Think of a group that you would eventually like to organize. Once you have decided on a particular type of group (for example, a group for parents who want to learn better child-rearing skills, or a group for women having just gone through a divorce), consider the following questions in drafting your proposal:

 Group Description

•        What type of group will you create? Will it be a counseling group? A therapy group? Personal-growth group? Will it be long-term or short-term?

•        How will this group be structured? Open or closed? How many sessions? How frequently will group sessions be held?

•        Whom is the group for? Is it a specialty group? In what setting will this group take place? (i.e.; Is it for outpatients in a community mental health center? for substance abusers in a residential setting? For parents who are having major problems in relating to their children? For couples who hope to learn better communication skills?)

•        What led you to choose this particular type of group for your proposal (what is your interest in the topic?)

Rationale

•        What are your goals for this group; that is, what will members gain from participating in the group? What are the short-term goals? Long-term goals? Are the goals and objectives specific?

•        How will these goals be accomplished in a group setting? How will the longrange goals be evaluated during the course of the group and once it comes to an end?

•        What do you expect your members to get from each stage of your group?

•        Why is there a need for such a group? In what ways would a group provide definite advantages over individual counseling? 

Leadership

•        Who will lead your group? What types of leadership skills will they have?

•        Will the leader follow a specific theory?

•        Will there be co-leaders for the group?

Group Dynamics

•        What factors do you expect to influence the group dynamics?

•        What exercises will you plan to incorporate into the group? What exercises do you plan to use in each stage of the group?

•        What strategies will you use to hold and maintain focus?

•        What skills will you incorporate to address problematic group dynamics?

Requirements:

•        Minimum 5 pages, maximum 7 pages excluding the cover page. 

•        3 resources (at least two scholarly sources, such as scholarly or peerreviewed journals, and the textbook).

•        APA style (no abstract necessary).

•        Clear and professional college-level writing. 

 

Be sure to read the criteria below by which your work will be evaluated before you write and again after you write.

Evaluation Rubric for Unit 7 Assignment

 

CRITERIA	Deficient	Needs Improvement	Proficient	Exemplary
	0-11 Points	12-15 Points	16-17 Points	18-20 Points
Group Description	Component is minimally or not addressed. Work does not reflect the content of the course.	Component is somewhat addressed, and course concepts are somewhat evident.	Component is fairly well addressed. Course concepts are generally apparent but may show inconsistencies or minor gaps in understanding.	Component is thoroughly addressed, and course concepts are thoroughly reflected.
Rationale	Component is minimally or not addressed. Work does not reflect the content of the course.	Component is somewhat addressed, and course concepts are somewhat evident.	Component is fairly well addressed. Course concepts are generally apparent but may show inconsistencies or minor gaps in understanding.	Component is thoroughly addressed and course concepts are thoroughly reflected.
Leadership	Component is minimally or not addressed. Work does not reflect the content of the course.	Component is somewhat addressed, and course concepts are somewhat evident.	Component is fairly well addressed. Course concepts are generally apparent but may show inconsistencies or minor gaps in understanding.	Component is thoroughly addressed and course concepts are thoroughly reflected.
Group Dynamics	Component is minimally or not addressed. Work does not reflect the	Component is somewhat addressed, and course concepts are	Component is fairly well addressed. Course concepts are	Component is thoroughly addressed and course concepts are
CRITERIA	Deficient	Needs Improvement	Proficient	Exemplary
	content of the course.	somewhat evident.	generally apparent but may show inconsistencies or minor gaps in understanding.	thoroughly reflected.
	0 – 2 points	3 points	4 points	5 points
Paper Length	Less than 5 pages, more than 7 pages	n/a	n/a	At least 5 pages
Resources	0-1 resources	2 resources	n/a	At least 3 resources
	0 – 5 points	6-7 points	8-9 points	10 points
Clear and Professional Writing and APA Format	Errors impede professional presentation; guidelines not followed.	Significant  errors that do not impede professional presentation.	Few errors that do not impede professional presentation.	Writing and format are clear, professional, APA compliant, and error free.