Understanding And Using Groups »

This work, by an experienced groupwork practitioner and lecturer, offers a sound general introduction to working with groups. The author covers:

• group dynamics and the group process
• the various groupwork methodologies such as transactional analysis, assertion and social skills training and Gestalt.
• The use of groups in different kinds of health and social services agencies and in other settings
• Common problems in group relationships

A list of organisations and full reading list are included.

The work has become a standard text for groupwork courses in all settings - nursing, education, mental health, counselling, social care and work and staff development work. It also offers a helpful reference tool for experienced groupworkers seeking to widen their understanding and areas of work.

Brenda Vernelle is a freelance groupwork consultant and trainer and a former Lecturer in Social Work at Huddersfield Polytechnic.

	Introduction: Help! It's My Group Today	1
1	Understanding Group Dynamics: Structures and Members	7
2	Understanding Group Dynamics: Group Process	27
3	Getting on with the Work of the Group: More About Process	49
4	Using Groups in Social Work and Health Care	64
5	Planning and Running Groups with Agency Users	79
6	Developing Methods of Work: Social Skills and Assertion Training	102
7	Developing Methods of Work: Transactional Analysis	122
8	Developing Methods of Work: Gestalt Psychology	136
9	Training in Groupwork	150
10	Relationships Between Groups: Prejudice, Conformity and Obedience to Authority	164
11	Groups at Work	183
12	Developing Your Skills	204
	Appendix A Useful Organisations	213
	Appendix B Recommended Books	218
	Glossary	221
	Abbreviations	227
	References	228