The purpose of this introductory article is to provide a context for how experiential growth groups are typically used to train counselors, to preview the contributions in this issue, and to suggest future directions for researching and implementing such groups.

A total of 330 members of the American Counseling Association were surveyed to determine current group training models in counselor education. The results indicate: (1) the most common model is to have a full-time faculty member both instruct the group work course and facilitate the experiential group, (2) ethical concerns do negatively impact…

This book focuses on the essential elements of leading effective groups in group counseling. Chapter 1 concentrates on the rationale behind using groups and their myths, advantages, and limitations. Chapter 2 discusses different types of groups, especially those that are therapeutic and task-oriented, and their theory and ethics. Chapter 3 delves…

Presents summary of views by counselor educators and Association for Specialists in Group Work members responding to "Duality: The Issues That Won't Go Away" at 1991 American Association for Counseling and Development Annual Convention. Notes that duality refers to multiple roles counselor educators may hold while teaching courses with…

Explores the existence of several group phenomena in a supervision group by using a discovery-oriented research approach for a group of master's-level supervisees (N=4). Results indicate that the supervision group was primarily task-oriented, made a contribution to supervisees' learning, and achieved the affiliation level of group development.…

Conducted national survey of counseling programs to identify various models and safeguards currently employed by counselor educators in preparing group counselors and to evaluate how consistent they are with professional associations' ethical standards. Findings from 272 academic units revealed that counselor educators were using experiential…

Surveyed counselor educators from 157 institutions to assess knowledge and clinical practice in training group counselors. Presents survey data and a critical analysis of the Professional Standards for Training Group Counselors. Offers recommendations for training programs and for the Association for Specialists in Group Work. (MCF)

It is suggested that the process of supervision take into consideration the common set of issues that beginning group counselors face and that supervision be an active rather than a reactive process. The article also presents methods for conceptualizing and conducting the practicum for group counselors. (Author)

Presents ways that counselor educators can use their class meetings to help students integrate knowledge, skills, and supervised practice in an introductory group course. Sample observation and reflection forms are appended. (Author/LSR)

The demand for group counseling is increasing in all sectors of society. This introductory-level text advances group work training and practice by offering examples of exemplary training models and curricula that are in compliance with recognized standards. It defines group work in comprehensive terms, reflecting the image of a "group work…

Analyzed a questionnaire sent to the membership of the Association for Specialists in Group Work to assess the current status of group work preparation in counselor education programs. Results, compared to previous studies, showed that counselor education programs are providing more and broader didactic and experiential group work preparation.…

A model of providing direct experience of group process for counseling students is provided. Ethical considerations, advantages, and disadvantages are discussed. (Author)