Group Counseling - Ch 9 - Rounds and Dyads
dyads for warming up and building energy
are often needed when beginning a group and introducing a new topic; also helpful for discussing difficult topics
When doing a serious, personal round, there will be times when a member might begin to cry or indicate the need for immediate attention.Leader has options:
1. the leader can work with the member, stating that she will try to get back to the round 2. leader can explain to the member that she will come back to him but that it is important to let everyone share
example of using dyad to finish a topic
I think this discussion has given each of you food for thought. Before taking a break, I'd like you to get into pairs and talk about what the last 30 minutes have stirred up in you and what you are going to do differently, if anything. We'll go for about 5 minutes and then take a short break. Be sure to focus on your relationship with your parents.
example of how to process a round
I want to go back to what Melba said. Melba, what exactly did you mean by distant? Did you mean you feel distant or that the relationship is distant?
example of designated word or phrase round
I want you to think about the film you just saw and give your reaction using one of three descriptions:"very valuable," "valuable,"or"not valuable."(The leader gives members a moment to decide and then goes around the group, hearing from everyone.)
use of rounds to deepen the focus
In support, growth, counseling, and therapy groups, rounds can be used to get members to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings.
to get the group focused, the leader might say one of the following:
LEADER: On a 1-10 scale, with 10 being very well, how well did the week go for you? LEADER: In a word or phrase, how would you describe your week? LEADER: Let's do a quick round. I want you to think of the best and worst things that happened to you this week. I'd like to hear from everyone.
dyads for finishing a topic
helpful because they are a good way to give everyone a chance to talk when the leader needs to save time
where to start a round
it is good practice to vary the starting point think about where to start and end round avoid beginning with members who are long-winded or always confused
dyads for developing comfort
provide better contact between members; members experience each other as individuals rather than as faces in the group; for these reasons leader should consider using during first session
this kind of round is especially helpful in support, counseling and therapy groups because the leader has no way of knowing who has concerns they want to bring up
yes-or-no round (designated word)
pairing members - leaders choose
-by seating -by leader's discretion
how much time to allow for dyads
-can last anywhere from 2-10 minutes depending on purpose -always tell members in advance the approx time it will last
leader's role during dyads
-decide whether or not to participate -make sure everyone understands purpose -may float from dyad to days -be aware of time, give warnings and end on time
additional thoughts about dyads
-how much time to allow -giving clear, simple instructions -making sure members stay on task -the leader's role during dyads -the physical arrangement for dyads -using triads instead of dyads
dyads for providing leader/member interaction
-leader can pair up with member who needs help -can also use to get to know members better
using triads instead of dyads
-more ideas or points of view are presented, so often used in education, discussion and task groups -even if one is not involved, other 2 can interact -quiet members may be able to hide -more time is usually needed
Uses of dyads
1. Developing comfort 2. Warming up members and building energy 3. Processing information and group exercises 4. Finishing a topic 5. Getting certain members together 6. Providing leader-member interaction 7. Changing the format 8. Providing time for the leader to think
uses of rounds
1. build comfort, trust, and cohesion 2. get members focused 3. gather information and locate energy 4. shift the focus to involve all members 5. draw out quiet members 6. deepen the intensity 7. process exercises 8. summarize
three kinds of rounds
1. designated word, phrase or number round 2. word or phrase round 3. comment round
additional aspects of rounds
1. how to set up 2. where to start 3. stopping int he middle of a round 4. handling members who are hesitant to talk 5. how to process a round 6. overusing rounds
example of using rounds to shift focus to involve all members
Andre, I want to get everyone in on this. Each of you think for a minute of a word or phrase that describes your home life; then we'll do a round where each of you will comment. (Leader waits a few seconds and scans the room to see when the members seem ready.) Okay, let's start here on my left, with Gary.
example of word or phrase round
In a word or phrase, how are you feeling about being in this group?
example of use of rounds to deepen the focus
Now that we have shared how each of you came to be a widow, let's go a step further and talk about your feelings and fears. In a couple of sentences, how would you describe what you have been feeling since your husband's death?
how to set up a round
Rounds, like any other group activity, have to be set up properly. The leader has to think about when a round would be useful and then introduce it in such a way that the members understand what is being asked of them. The leader also needs to allow enough time for members to formulate their answers and not let an eager member start before the others are ready.
example of using dyad to develop comfort
So you can get a little more comfortable with some of the other members, I would like each of you to pair up with someone whom you don't know very well and share why you decided to be in this group.
Designated Number Round
The 1-10 round can encourage members to think more specifically about the topic. Also, a 1-10 round usually generates interest because members are curious about how their rating compares to that of other members.
Designated Word or Phrase Round
The leader asks the members to use one, two, or three possible choices when responding to a question or issue, such as "yes or no" or "very helpful," "helpful," or "not helpful,." or "here" "getting here" or "not here"
example of comment round
When you think of parenting, what is hardest for you? Let's hear from each of you briefly.
Dyad
an activity where pairs of members discuss issues or complete a task
Overusing Rounds
can cause members to become bored, confused, or resentful of what they may view as a gimmick; use rounds to get members focused and thinking, not to fill time
dyads for processing information and group exercises
dyad provides each member with the opportunity to give reactions, share ideas, or raise questions.
handling members who are hesitant to talk
if refusal is based on fear, best to skip member if refusal is based on negative attitude, move to next person leader should rarely push someone into commenting
How to process a round
involves discussing the responses in a focused, conscious manner
pairing members - members choose
leader should be on lookout for negative reactions; make sure everyone is in a dyad
Word or Phrase round
members are asked to respond with only a word or a short phrase because the leader wants members to keep their comments brief.
stopping in the middle of a round
normally best to finish any round if information is personal, stopping in middle can be fine best for leader to acknowledge that she is aware of stopping in the middle
Comment Rounds
used when the leader wants members to say more than just a few words, either because the leader thinks they will benefit from hearing comments or because the question does not lend itself to a word or phrase answer.
dyads for getting certain members together
-because they have something in common -to dissipate discomfort -because they have differing views on an issue
example of designated number round
On a 1-10 scale, with 10 being very comfortable, how comfortable are you being in the group?
