Great Groups!: Creating and Leading Effective Groups

The second edition of Great Groups! Creating and Leading Effective Groups offers a structured framework for understanding the intricacies of planning and developing effective group experiences. This textbook serves as a foundational resource for students just beginning to grasp group work principles and is equally vital for enhancing the proficiency of experienced group workers. The content spans fundamental group work theory, provides practical tools for facilitating groups, and underscores the impactful outcomes that well-run groups can achieve. The book delves into the mix of group dynamics principles with theories of counseling and psychotherapy, restructured to present a coherent and comprehensive theoretical perspective. It explores the practical challenges of group formation, dynamics, management, and resolution, relating these to broader themes such as multicultural understanding and ethical practice. The second edition includes new and expanded coverage on groups for LGBTQ+ people, conflict resolution, and the promotion of understanding in communities. Great Groups! is suited for both undergraduate and graduate students in counseling, social work, psychology, and human service programs. It also serves as a reference guide, preparing students for future professional roles where group work is integral. Organized to align with a traditional semester-long course structure, it's of particular use in programs that emphasize practice-based learning in group dynamics and leadership.