Great Groups

David R. Hutchinson prepares both undergraduate and graduate students for careers in psychology and counseling. His areas of special focus are group work, addictions, and grieving. A former Peace Corps volunteer, David's priorities include travel and maintaining an international perspective in his life and work. He has trained counselors in Grenada and established sister school relationships between five schools in Vermont and Grenada. In Vermont, David continues his emphasis on intensive, process-oriented coursework with long weekend retreats at an off-campus lodge near Caspian Lake in the woods of the Northeast Kingdom. In 2006, David was honored with the Distinguished Faculty of the Year Award. He holds positions on the boards of the New England School of Addiction Studies and Northwest Counseling and Support Services in Franklin County, Vermont. He received his doctoral degree from State University of New York, Buffalo.

Chapter 1: An Invitation to Group Work A Rationale for Group Work Some Practical Reasons for Leading Groups Great Groups Can Do Great Things for People Challenges of Group Work Group Work in Context: A Brief Historical Perspective Great Groups in Action: A Case Vignette Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 2: Becoming a Great Group Leader Effective Group Leadership Characteristics of Effective Group Leaders Other Key Leadership Ingredients: Kindness, Enthusiasm, and Grit The Importance of Your Self-Awareness The Importance of Cultural Awareness The Importance of Professional--Including Ethical--Preparation Effective Group Leadership: Leadership Style Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 3: The Varieties of Groups Different Groups for Different Purposes Process and Content in Groups Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 4: Putting Group Theory Into Practice The Importance of Theory to Your Group Work Group Development and Dynamics What People Need in Groups What People Learn in Groups What People Can Get in Groups That Become Cohesive Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 5: Laying the Foundation: Developing Theoretical and Ethical Competency Counseling Theory and Group Work Establishing an Ethical Foundation for Leading Groups: Considerations for Leaders Ethical Considerations Leaders Have for Members Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 6: Planning for a New Group The New Group Other Planning Concerns Planning for the New Directions Group Reflection Exercise: Planning for a New Group Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Planning Concluding Thoughts: Some Final Planning Advice For Further Thoughts References Chapter 7: Getting Your Group Started Starting a New Group Essential Tasks: What Needs to Happen in a New Group Essential Skills for Starting a New Group Starting the New Directions Group Reflection and Discussion Exercise: How Would You Start this New Group? Pitfalls to Avoid in Starting a New Group Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 8: Your Group Is Engaging Leading the Engaging Group The Hallmarks of the Engaging Group: Anxiety, Resistance, and Problem Essential Tasks for the Engaging Group Essential Skills for Working With the Engaging Group Some Specific Suggestions on Using Skills for Problem Behaviors The New Directions Group Engages Group Fishbowl Lab Practice Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 9: Leading the Working (Norming-Performing) Group Great Groups in Action: A Group Vignette The Group Settles Into Some Regular Norms and Roles Promoting Positive Norms and Roles: Moving Towards Cohesion Hallmarks of the Group That Is Performing Well Essential Skills for the Working Group The New Directions Group Is Working What to Do When It Is Not Working Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Using Exercises to Promote Group Cohesion Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 10: Ending Your Group About Endings The Meaning of Endings Your Group's Feelings About Ending Resistance to Ending Unplanned Endings: Dealing With Dropouts How to End Your Group Essential Skills for Ending a Group Ending the New Directions Group Reflection Exercise: Ending a Group Group Fishbowl Lab Practice: Planning for Ending Measuring Success Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 11: Groups Across the Life Span Groups for Children and Adolescents Groups for Women Groups for Men Groups for Older People Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 12: Specialized Groups Groups for People With Addictions Issues Groups for People With Serious, Persistent Mental Illness Groups for People With Issues Related to Violence and Criminality Groups for Victims of Violence Groups for Grieving People Reflection and Group Fishbowl Lab Exercise Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References Chapter 13: Final Thoughts: Taking Care - The Personal and Political Staying Healhty Reflection and Group Fishbowl Lab Exercise: Focused Awareness of Your Various "Selves" Staying Fresh and Alive - and Avoiding Burnout Becoming and Effective Advocate and Activist Concluding Thoughts For Further Thought References

"Hutchinson's Great Groups! is a great text! Any student considering leading groups should first read this book. The author's warmth, empathy, and group leadership experience comes across in very engaging and practical ways. This book puts the reader right beside the author as he discusses leading groups." -- John Q. Hodges "This book teaches the fundamental concepts of group practice while maintaining the readability of a novel." -- Philip Mongan "A very practical hands-on guide to group facilitation capitalizing on the author's valuable practice wisdom." -- Tracy A. Marschall The book is aimed at students who are working towards developing and leading groups... succeeds in offering an in-depth understanding of a wide range of issues that are important to consider when forming and facilitating successful groups, while managing to remain accessible and readable. -- Frances Lampert, Counselor and Supervisor