Module 5:
Cutting Off and Drawing Out Group Members; and the Use of Rounds and Dyads in Group Counseling

Learning Outcomes

 

Awareness and Knowledge

  • Identify when to stop a member from talking if the conversation is counterproductive to overall group functioning
  • Learn when it would benefit the group to elicit comments from more quiet members
  • Develop an understanding about rounds and dyads and their value in group counseling

Introduction

This week’s readings address the skills of cutting off and drawing out group counseling clients. Students will learn when and how to use these skills. The importance of rounds and dyads, and when to use them, are addressed.

Readings and Resources

Jacobs, E., Schimmel, C., Masson, R., & Harvil, R. (2016). Group counseling strategies & skills (8th ed.). Boston MA: Cengage Learning. Course Textbook

  • Chapter 8: Cutting off and drawing out
  • Chapter 9: Rounds and dyads

Perspectives From the Field

I find that if group clients are well chosen and well prepared, cutting off is a skill that is not always needed. However, if a group client says something inappropriate, inaccurate, or hurtful, they need to be stopped for the benefit of the other group members. Pay attention to the examples provided in the textbook about how to redirect such conversations, as a leader needs to be ready for all situations described in this chapter, especially if someone says something hurtful. 

I follow the idea from healing circles where one has a choice about whether to speak or not. However, depending on the leader’s style and type of group the chapter offers some good ideas about how to draw people out.

I find the use of rounds extremely useful in groups. In the mutual support groups (msg's) that I have led, the entire group process is structured with rounds. Each week clients tell their stories and the basic structure is a round; we go around the circle and everyone has the opportunity to share, or not.

Dyads provide more quiet members with opportunities to contribute, which is especially useful in larger psychoeducational groups.

Reflections and Assignments

Reflection 5: What will you take away from this module?

There are no assignments for this module.

Please refer to the Course Schedule for due dates.