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Group Therapy Methods in Social Work

Study Course Description

Course Description Statuss:Approved
Course Description Version:5.00
Study Course Accepted:08.11.2021 16:07:37
Study Course Information
Course Code:LUSDK_024LQF level:Level 7
Credit Points:2.00ECTS:3.00
Branch of Science:Psychology; Clinical PsychologyTarget Audience:Social Welfare and Social Work
Study Course Supervisor
Course Supervisor:Ilze Dreifelde
Study Course Implementer
Structural Unit:Department of Welfare and Social Work
The Head of Structural Unit:
Contacts:Riga, 26a Anninmuizas boulevard, socdkatrsu[pnkts]lv, +371 67061575
Study Course Planning
Full-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)6Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures12
Classes (count)6Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes12
Total Contact Hours24
Part-Time - Semester No.1
Lectures (count)6Lecture Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Lectures12
Classes (count)6Class Length (academic hours)2Total Contact Hours of Classes12
Total Contact Hours24
Study course description
Preliminary Knowledge:
Communication psychology; group psychology.
Objective:
To familiarise with the basic principles of group therapy and the application of its methods in social work, to develop skills in preparing group therapy sessions and in leading such group therapy sessions. The focus is on setting goals for group therapy methods, preconditions for the selection of methods and analysis. Practical classes will develop group leading skills.
Topic Layout (Full-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Introduction to the theory of group therapy. Description, main goals, types of social work with a group.Lectures1.00auditorium
2Group dynamics. Types of group participants.Lectures1.00auditorium
3Basic principles of psychosocial training in social work, structure, selection of participants, rules in the group. Methods in psychosocial training.Lectures1.00auditorium
4Basic principles of support group work in social work.Lectures1.00auditorium
5Basic principles of support group work in social work. Relaxation in a group.Classes2.00auditorium
6Improvement of communication skills and abilities in a group. Feedback in group work. Leader’s skills, necessary skills.Lectures1.00auditorium
Classes2.00auditorium
7Teamwork principles in social work.Lectures1.00auditorium
8Teamwork principles in social work. Practical classes.Classes2.00auditorium
Topic Layout (Part-Time)
No.TopicType of ImplementationNumberVenue
1Introduction to the theory of group therapy. Description, main goals, types of social work with a group.Lectures1.00auditorium
2Group dynamics. Types of group participants.Lectures1.00auditorium
3Basic principles of psychosocial training in social work, structure, selection of participants, rules in the group. Methods in psychosocial training.Lectures1.00auditorium
4Basic principles of support group work in social work.Lectures1.00auditorium
5Basic principles of support group work in social work. Relaxation in a group.Classes2.00auditorium
6Improvement of communication skills and abilities in a group. Feedback in group work. Leader’s skills, necessary skills.Lectures1.00auditorium
Classes2.00auditorium
7Teamwork principles in social work.Lectures1.00auditorium
8Teamwork principles in social work. Practical classes.Classes2.00auditorium
Assessment
Unaided Work:
Active participation in lectures and practical group leading classes, development of a group programme, presentation of the programme.
Assessment Criteria:
Type of final examination: examination – presentation of an independently created programme of group therapy sessions; test – practical group leading of 45-50 min. Practical group leading of 45-50 min – 50%; development of the programme for group therapy sessions – 30% and a presentation 20%.
Final Examination (Full-Time):Exam
Final Examination (Part-Time):Exam
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge:Students know the theoretical rationale for the different methods of therapy, know different forms of group therapy in social work with different groups of clients, know the peculiarities of organising a group therapy process for work with different groups of clients in social work, understand the importance of sociopsychological training, the importance of using support group methods, and the basic principles of the teamwork process. Master students have understood the basic principles of creation of programmes for group therapy sessions.
Skills:Students know how to choose appropriate group therapy methods in social work according to different groups of clients, set the goal for group work, provide feedback. Students know how to apply group therapy techniques in social work in line with the purpose of social work, analyse the dynamics of group therapy and interpret the results obtained. Able to create a programme for group therapy sessions by aligning different interests and goals with the specific audience.
Competencies:When implementing group therapy methods, master students are able to choose appropriate methods and techniques for the specific audience. Able to implement measures in the organisation of group work, selection of participants, setting and determination of harmonised goals. Able to lead a group in the target direction understanding the basic conditions of group dynamics, as well as able to close group work in a professional way. Competent to create different group therapy programmes for different audiences.
Bibliography
No.Reference
Required Reading
1Payne, M. Modern Social Work Theory. (2014)
2Mākslu metodes un tehnikas profesionāljā darbā. Autoru kolektīvs. Sast. Mārtinsone, K. (2020)
3Rokasgrāmata. Psihosociālais sociālais darbs sistēmiskajā pieejā. Teorija un prakse. Nodibinājums „C Modulis”, Jūrmala, Latvija. (2015)
Additional Reading
1Sociālais darbs ar grupu. Kuldīgas Sociālais dienests. (Nodaļa no izdevuma ar nosaukumu: Rokasgrāmata "Metodes un pieejas sociālā darba jomā"). (2011)
2Kenets, R. E. Sociālā darba prakse grupās. SDSPA „Attīstība”, tulkots mācību materiāls. (1997)
3Zastrow, C. H. Social Work With Groups. A Comrehensive Work Book. Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. (2015)
4“Ieteikumi pašpalīdzību grupu izveidei”. LR LM Sociālās palīdzības departaments, Rīga, (1998)
5Middelman, R. R., Wood, G. G. Skills for Direct Practice in Social Work. Columbia University Press. (1990)
6Ялом, И. Групповая психотерапия. Теория и практика. М.: ЭКСМО-Пресс Bibliotēkā pieejams oriģinālvalodā: Yalom, Irvin D., The theory and practice of group psychotherapy / Irvin D. Yalom with Molyn Leszcz. 5th ed. New York: Basic Books, c2005. (2021)
7Рудестам, К. Груповая психотерапия. СПб: Питер. (2006)
Other Information Sources
1http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_work_with_groups#Purpos…
2http://www.aaswg.org/files/aaswg_standards_for_social_work_…
3http://freespace.virgin.net/nick.child/moresp.htm