For this short assignment please only provide answers for ONE of the docuseries, Gabriel Fernandez, or Kalief Browder. NOT BOTH. 3 pages MAXIMUM, using APA formatting. Answer the following questions for the docuseries you choose to watch:
Gabriel Fernandez
ReflectionsIf your supervisor instructed you to do something against your code of ethics, how would you respond and what actions would you take?
If you were assigned Gabriel/Kalief to your caseload what would you do to support his health and well-being?
What areas of Gabriel/Kalief’s life would you make sure were being addressed and why?
AssessmentWhat did you learn about yourself from watching the docuseries you chose? Start this paragraph with: “After completing this assignment I realized (feelings, thoughts, experiences)… Did anything show up for you personally or what about this case was challenging? What did you learn about yourself?
Kalief Browder
ReflectionsIf your supervisor instructed you to do something against your code of ethics, how would you respond and what actions would you take?
If you were assigned Kalief Browder to your caseload when he was released from prison, what would you do to support his reintegration into society?
What areas of Kalief’s life would you make sure were being addressed and why?
AssessmentWhat did you learn about yourself from watching the docuseries you chose? Start this paragraph with: “After completing this assignment I realized (feelings, thoughts, experiences)… Did anything show up for you personally or what about this case was challenging? What did you learn about yourself?
Category: Social work
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Title: Reflections and Assessment of “Kalief Browder” Docuseries.
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Title: Understanding Death and Dying: Addressing Important Areas and Cultural Influences
Question 1 : Discuss important areas about death and dying that should be addressed when talking with a dying client and their family. Explain why you think these areas of discussion are important.
Question 2:Discuss the difference between loss, bereavement, grief, and mourning. How does culture influence bereavement? How can you prepare yourself to deal with different cultures during this process?
This is two different questions please answer seperately and no plagarism and cite the sources. -
Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice: The Case of Marie “Ethical Decision-Making in Family Practice: A Case Study of Marie and Her Family” “Ethical Dilemmas and Diversity in Family Practice: A Case Study Analysis” “Exploring Ethical Decision-Making and Family Dynamics in Social Work Practice”
Overview
For this assignment, identify the ethical issues at play in The Case of Marie, describe their potential consequences, and use the NASW Code of Ethics and other researched resources to apply a principled framework for resolving the dilemma.
This case involves an ethical dilemma with a diverse family, and the dilemma itself, like most ethical issues in group work, is potentially two-fold:
The dilemma among the family members, as well as the content and manner of their communication with you.
The ethical dilemma within yourself, as you examine your own natural preferences and biases in the context of the family and its needs.
At all levels of social work practice (micro, mezzo, and macro), the diversity of personal preferences and biases always presents the possibility of ethical compromise. Combined with potential ethical issues within the diverse situations, beliefs, and actions of the family members themselves, any given situation can quickly become ethically clouded.
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following competencies and behaviors:
CSWE-BOA EPAS Competency 1: Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior.
C1.GP.A: Make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics within the profession as appropriate to the context.
Related assignment criterion:
1. Describe an ethical dilemma presented in the case study.
2. Identify the NASW Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving relevant to the case study.
CSWE-BOA EPAS Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice.
C3.GP.A: Demonstrate anti-racist and anti-oppressive social work practice at the individual, family, group, organizational, community, research, and policy levels.
Related assignment criterion:
3. Describe personal values and/or biases that could impact the decision-making process when addressing the ethical dilemma in the case study.
CSWE-BOA EPAS Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.
C7.GP.A: Apply theories of human behavior and person-in-environment, as well as other culturally responsive and interprofessional conceptual frameworks, when assessing clients and constituencies.
Related assignment criterion:
4. Describe data collection methods necessary to make an ethical decision.
C7.GP.B: Demonstrate respect for client self-determination during the assessment process by collaborating with clients and constituencies in developing a mutually agreed-upon plan.
Related assignment criterion:
5. Describe strengths, needs, and challenges within the client’s family system relevant to the identified ethical dilemma.
Preparation
Review the NASW resources in the Week 6: Social Work With Family GroupsLinks to an external site. reading list to prepare for this assignment.
In addition, familiarize yourself with the following helpful resources:
Capella University LibraryLinks to an external site..
How Do I Find Peer-Reviewed Articles?Links to an external site.
Social Work Masters Program (MSW) Library Guide.Links to an external site.
Writing CenterLinks to an external site..
Assignment Instructions
Using this week’s readings, The Case of Marie, NASW resources, and scholarly literature, draft a 3–4 page paper that addresses the following:
Describe an ethical dilemma presented in the case study.
Identify areas of ambiguity.
Identify NASW essential steps for ethical problem solving to apply to the case study.
Identify possible consequences if different steps were chosen.
Describe personal values and/or biases that could impact the decision-making process when addressing the ethical dilemma in the case study.
Explain how these values and/or biases could be managed to best maintain an ethical perspective.
Describe data collection methods necessary to make an ethical decision.
Analyze the data collection methods to demonstrate how they support ethical decision-making.
Assess the strengths, needs, and challenges within the client’s family system related to the identified ethical dilemma.
Make recommendations that might help emphasize the strengths, meet the needs, and overcome the challenges.
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
Adhere to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
Support main points, assertions, arguments, conclusions, or recommendations with relevant and credible evidence.
Apply current APA style standards, including paper format, in-text citations, and the references list.
Note: You will also work with Marie and her family in the Week 9 assignment, transitioning from identifying potential ethical dilemmas to planning an approach to group work that will benefit all involved.
Additional Requirements
Your assignment should also meet the following requirements:
Written communication: Written communication should be scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
APA formatting: Resources and citations should be formatted according to current APA style and formatting standards. Use Academic WriterLinks to an external site. for guidance in citing sources in proper APA style. See the Writing CenterLinks to an external site. for more APA resources specific to your degree level.
Number of resources: A minimum of five scholarly sources. All literature cited should be current, with publication dates within the past five years.
Length of paper: 3–4 typed, double-spaced pages.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
View Rubric
Ethics and Diversity in Family Practice
Marie is 68 years old and is part Scottish and American Indian. She lives in a town that provides a sense of security for her because she lives close to her two daughters. Before her move she lived in the same little rural town for the majority of her adult life.
She started out working for others but in her late 30s, she decided to stop and open her own business instead. That business was very successful but required long hours and hard work. She derived a sense of accomplishment from her business that could not be matched at any time in her life. She loved the interaction with others but could no longer keep up with the physical demands from the business. She retired 3 years ago. Marie is not wealthy but is capable of maintaining her home and lifestyle. She reports that now that she is retired she likes to read and feels most comfortable in her own home.
She currently reports feeling like she has no purpose. About 5 years ago her best friend and husband died of cancer. She and her husband had been married for 47 years at the time of his passing. She was profoundly shaken by this loss. Upon assessing her living arrangements at the time of his death, decisions were made in consultation with her two children to sell the business and move closer to her daughters. The move has had a positive and negative impact – positive due to being around others who care for her and negative due to the stress of being around young children. She reports becoming depressed and anxious around the anniversary date of her husband’s death.
Marie has two children. Lisa who has just turned 50 and Toni who is in her mid 40s. Both Lisa and Toni have young children of their own. Lisa is a single mother by choice with twins who are 4 years of age. Toni is married and has one child who is 5. Both of Marie’s daughters live close by and visit often. When they visit, Marie complains that the children make her stressed and tired. Lisa and Toni are concerned about their mother’s inability to tolerate the activity of the children. They want their mother to enjoy her grandchildren as much as possible.
Lisa is dependent on pain medication due to an injury that she encountered at work several years ago. She still functions fully as far as work and social life. She has challenges with her twins and yells at them frequently, to the point where one of the children is beginning to yell back at her and become defiant. She frequently asks for assistance from Marie with the children. The preschool has reported that this same child is having difficulty with social relationships and emotional connections but reports no negative behavioral issues.
Toni lives with her husband of 10 years and her daughter who is 5 years of age. Marie reports that Toni is supportive of her and provides emotional support when needed. Toni has been caring for her mother during the medical procedure that has been recently conducted.
Marie has just recently undergone an extensive knee replacement and is in physical therapy to regain her mobility. She has been taking prescription drugs for pain but refuses to take them as directed by the physician due to her experience with Lisa. She takes the pain medication only if she is in debilitating pain. Marie often reports having difficulty with her memory because she has to check on things more often, such as closing the garage door when she leaves, locking the door before bed, etc. She is extremely concerned about losing her cognitive abilities.
Toni has privately asked for your help in looking for an assisted living facility for Marie; she believes her mother is having increasing difficulty living on her own and doesn’t feel she can provide consistent aid. She also thinks her sister is taking advantage of Marie’s availability to watch her children. Lisa has privately urged you to convince her mother to start taking her pain medication, as well as asking you to help explain to Marie how beneficial it is for children to have a grandparent involved in their lives. Marie has recently told you that she thinks Lisa may have taken an unopened bottle of her pain medicine.
Ethics and Diversity in Family Practice
Criteria Ratings Pts
Describe an ethical dilemma presented in the case study. (C1.GP.A)
32 to >27.2 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Assesses an ethical dilemma presented in the case study and identifies areas of ambiguity, including the possible consequences.
27.2 to >22.4 pts
PROFICIENT
Describes an ethical dilemma presented in the case study.
22.4 to >0 pts
BASIC
Identifies an ethical dilemma presented in the case study.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not identify an ethical dilemma presented in the case study.
/ 32 pts
Identify the NASW Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving relevant to the case study. (C1.GP.A)
32 to >27.2 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Identifies the NASW Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving relevant to the case study and explains potential consequences if different steps were taken.
27.2 to >22.4 pts
PROFICIENT
Identifies the NASW Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving relevant to the case study.
22.4 to >0 pts
BASIC
Incompletely identifies the NASW Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving relevant to the case study.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not identify the NASW Essential Steps for Ethical Problem-Solving relevant to the case study.
/ 32 pts
Describe personal values and/or biases that could impact the decision-making process when addressing the ethical dilemma in the case study. (C3.GP.A)
32 to >27.2 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Analyzes personal values and/or biases that could impact the decision-making process when addressing the ethical dilemma in the case study, and explains how these values and/or biases could be managed to best maintain an ethical perspective.
27.2 to >22.4 pts
PROFICIENT
Describes personal values and/or biases that could impact the decision-making process when addressing the ethical dilemma in the case study.
22.4 to >0 pts
BASIC
Identifies personal values that come into play in making ethical decisions.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not identify personal values that come into play in making ethical decisions.
/ 32 pts
Describe data collection methods necessary to make an ethical decision. (C7.GP.A)
32 to >27.2 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Analyzes data collection methods necessary to make an ethical decision.
27.2 to >22.4 pts
PROFICIENT
Describes data collection methods necessary to make an ethical decision.
22.4 to >0 pts
BASIC
Identifies general data collection methods.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not identify data collection methods necessary to conduct an ethical decision.
/ 32 pts
Describe strengths, needs, and challenges within the client’s family system relevant to the identified ethical dilemma. (C7.GP.B)
32 to >27.2 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Assesses strengths, needs, and challenges within the client’s family system relevant to the identified ethical dilemma, and makes recommendations that might help emphasize the strengths, meet the needs, and overcome the challenges.
27.2 to >22.4 pts
PROFICIENT
Describes strengths, needs, and challenges within the client’s family system relevant to the identified ethical dilemma.
22.4 to >0 pts
BASIC
Identifies strengths, needs, and challenges within the client’s family system relevant to the identified ethical dilemma.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not identify strengths, needs, and challenges within the client’s family system relevant to the identified ethical dilemma.
/ 32 pts
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
40 to >34 pts
DISTINGUISHED
Communicates with exceptional clarity in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
34 to >28 pts
PROFICIENT
Communicates in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
28 to >0 pts
BASIC
Communicates in a manner that is professional and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
0 pts
NON_PERFORMANCE
Does not communicate in a manner that is consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
/ 40 pts
Total Points: 0 -
Title: “Navigating Adolescent Development: Supporting a Teen’s Transition to Adulthood”
Adolescent Development Scenario
For this discussion, imagine that you are working with a 17-year-old adolescent and their family. They have come to see you because the teen is not attending school regularly and states that they intend to drop out because school is boring. They want to start working and be treated like an adult. Their parents state that they are willing to treat them like an adult if they prepare for their future appropriately and can demonstrate that they will be able to find a job they enjoy and earn enough income to support themselves. They are not sure what kind of career path they would like to follow and would consider vocational training. They also want to be around friends more, playing video games and hanging out at the local mall.
Choose one of the following discussion prompts to respond to:
As the counselor, what knowledge about social and cognitive development do you need to consider as you begin your work with this teen?
How would you go about locating resources that would be helpful for the teen and family? Include in your post at least two resources from a local search in your region and at least two online resources that the teen could access to support their developmental growth process in adolescence.
Choose one developmental theory and explain how that theory helps you understand this student’s behavior.
What information might you share about this developmental period that would support both the student and parents? -
Program Evaluation Plan for Teen Parenting Program Introduction: This section will cover the program evaluation plan for the Teen Parenting Program, including the organization description, research questions and hypotheses, definition of variables and terms, methodology, and sampling procedures. Organization Title: “Designing a Program Evaluation: Population, Sample, and Methodology”
***Please see attached files. I have included the case study along with my first paper which is the literature review.
Now that you have completed the literature review and have a solid theoretical grounding for your problem statement, you will be determining the methodology for your program evaluation. The purpose of this assignment is for you to learn how to use scientific methods to conduct a program evaluation using an appropriate methodology based on the provided case study, Teen Parenting Case Study, and data.
By successfully completing this assignment, you demonstrate your proficiency in the following competency and specialized behaviors:
Competency 4: Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice.
C4.SP.A: Apply leadership skills, ethical use of technology and research findings to inform and improve practice, policy, and programs in the specialization of advanced generalist practice settings.
Related Assignment Criteria:
4: Describe the sample and the sampling method or methods.
5: Identify how data will be collected and the process for data collection.
7: Develop an informed consent form that is appropriate to the case study.
C4.SP.B: Analyze and respond to ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive strategies in the specialization of advanced generalist social work practice that address inherent biases for use in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Related Assignment Criteria:
1: Describe the program or service.
2: Develop a guiding research question or hypothesis for the chosen program evaluation methods.
3: Analyze different methods of program evaluation types and methodology to select the best method for the specific case study.
6:Discuss ethical issues pertaining to the selected method of program evaluation.
Assignment Description
In this assignment, you will describe how to evaluate the program found in the case study. You will also determine the methodology for this program evaluation and indicate other details such as associated research questions, definitions of variables, sampling and data collection procedures, applicable instruments, and discussion of ethical issues pertaining to human subjects.
Assignment Instructions
Using the case study, Teen Parenting Case Study [PDF] (refer to attachment), design a program evaluation plan. Use the following outline:
Introduction: State the topics that will be covered in this section.
Organization description: Describe the program or service (program focus, resources, population, clients served, and the theory of change). Include a description of the stakeholders and evaluation purpose.
Research questions and hypotheses: Revisit research questions and hypotheses established in the Week 3 assignment, Research Literature Review.
Definition of variables and terms in the study: Define your major variables in a clear and concise manner, and distinguish between independent and dependent variables. Every variable that is identified in the research questions should be defined clearly in this section in terms of what it is and how it will be measured.
Description of the methodology (study design).
Explain whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or both and whether it is cross-sectional (single point in time) or longitudinal (more than one measure from the same people).
Explain how you are going to determine the efficacy of your program (for example, pre-tests and post-tests, comparison to a similar group of people not receiving program services).
Explain if you are comparing the group getting the intervention to any other group on the outcomes of interest (a control or comparison group).
Explain if you are using more than one source of data to triangulate measures of your outcome of interest (for example, rates of participation, qualitative interviews, and a satisfaction survey).
Explain why this method of program evaluation and methodology is best practice (as compared to other possible models).
Sampling procedures.
Distinguish between the population and your sample.
Provide some basic demographic information that you would anticipate.
State how many people are taking part in the study and how you will go about sampling them.
Explain how the control/comparison group will be selected or how people are assigned to that group, if you are using a control/comparison group.
Instrumentation: Do you plan to use a standardized instrument or will you design your own? Why? Every variable that is addressed in your research questions and operational definitions should also be addressed in this section. Describe the validity and reliability of your instruments. Note that you must include at least one quantitative measure. Include your instruments, including any qualitative interview protocols, in an appendix.
Data collection and procedures: Describe exactly what you plan to do and when. Explain how and when you will collect each measure, and how and when you will begin the intervention and for how long.
Human protection: Discuss ethical issues pertaining to the method of program evaluation you selected. Discuss how you will address and minimize these issues. Include a sample informed consent (and minor assent, if necessary) as an appendix. -
Title: Examining Systemic Racism and its Effects on Aboriginal Peoples in the Canadian Criminal Justice System
Length: 3–4-page essay (750–1200 words) per question; total 9–12 pages for the assignment
Provide detailed answers to each of the three questions below. Include about five sources as references.
Donald Marshall, Jr., spent 11 years in jail for a crime he did not commit. Describe the points in Marshall’s case at which the criminal justice system failed him. What evidence of racism does this case provide? What can be done to overcome systemic racism in the criminal justice system?
Examine the traditional roles of men and women in Aboriginal communities, and discuss the position of Aboriginal women before European contact. Describe the impact of European settlement on Aboriginal women, and on their position within their communities. How has this history affected contacts between Aboriginal women and the criminal justice system? What can be done to address the situation?
The impact of the residential school system has affected many generations of Aboriginal people. Explain the origins of the system, and examine its effects on Aboriginal children, parents and communities. Is it fair to say that the residential school system has contributed to Aboriginal peoples’ over-representation in the criminal justice system? Explain.
Format
Double-space and use normal margins; each page should be 250–300 words long.
Use Times New Roman or Ariel 12-point font.
Indent the first line of each paragraph.
Number the pages.
Use APA style to cite sources and list references. Help is available at https://guides.library.ualberta.ca/apa-citation-style and https://www.calvin.edu/library/knightcite/?standard=APA -
“Reflections on My Learning Journey as an African Canadian Social Work Student: Embracing an Africentric Lens and Growing in Comfort with Discomfort”
Readiness for practice journal assignment
Five times during the term you will write 250 -300-word reflection on your learning.
The journal entry is about you and your learning and not accessible to any other student. According
to author Tara Westover, “education should ……. absolutely change you.” Here is an opportunity
to give voice to your impressions of course content each week, challenges, or changes in your
thinking, what was new learning, what challenged you, what was helpful or unhelpful and what
was surprising.
Students should also consider their values, developing social work skills and knowledge and do a
self-assessment on their readiness for social work practice. For instance, how are your own values
and beliefs similar to, or different from those of the social work profession? how does the values of
social work and the pursuit of social justice align with your personal values and beliefs. For many
students their own life history intersects with course learning at times, and this can be unsettling.
As students of African descents, it is important that you incorporate an Africentric lens into
your critical analysis. Your reflections must include how your own identity markers (Person
of African descent/ African Nova Scotian, gender, sexual orientation, class, ability etc.,)
influence your thoughts, feelings, and future social work practice.
How might you be taking steps to grow in comfort with discomfort? What is your critical analysis?
Senator Dr. Wanda Thomas Bernard speaks about the 3As as being a helpful way to frame
reflection. The first A is Awareness-what have your learned. The second is Analysis and asks you
to critically reflect on the issue/s you are considering and the third is Action. What is your new
awareness and analysis calling you to?
These reflections are about your engagement with class content.
This is a journal and need to be really reflective. I’m a African Canadian student in a afrocentric social work cohort. I need my journal entry to reflect that!
I will attach the videos and class readings
https://ojs.uwindsor.ca/index.php/csw/article/view/5636/4606
https://www.mindful.org/kindergarteners-talk-about-mindfulness-in-just-breathe-short-fil
m/?utm_source=Mindful+Newsletter&utm_campaign=4c6142fbdf-MF_Weekly_Newsletter_March_313_30_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_6d03e8c02c-4c6142fbdf-21078953
Decolonizing pathways towards Integrative Healing in Social Work (pp. 23–46 & p. 138–150)(I attached the e-book) -
Title: Anti-Oppressive Research Practices for Social Justice: A Literature Review on a Selected Issue
Instructions
For this assignment, you will complete a literature review of anti-oppressive research practices related to a specific economic, cultural, social, and/or environmental justice issue of your choice.
Literature Review with an Anti-Oppressive Lens
Select, identify, and describe a specific economic, cultural, social, and/or environmental justice issue. (C4.GP.A)
Include a current (within the last five years) real-life example.
Explain the rationale for selecting this topic. (C4.GP.B)
Be sure to include why this topic is important to you.
Positionality Reflection
Reflect on your positionality using the Anti-Racist Research Individual Action Plan as a guide. (C4.GP.B)
Include specific personal examples.
Annotated Bibliography
Construct an annotated bibliography for each of six scholarly research articles that meet the following criteria: published within the last five years, at least three of the articles must utilize principles of anti-oppressive research practice (AORP).
For each article, provide the reference in APA format. Then:
For each chosen study, describe the purpose, methodology, outcomes, and how it informs the selected issue. (C4.GP.A)
For each chosen study, evaluate the outcomes and how the study utilizes AORP. If the study does not utilize AORP, describe what is needed to integrate AORP into the research. (C4.GP.B)
Additional Requirements
The assignment you submit is expected to meet the following requirements:
Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current Evidence and APA standards. Include a cover page and references page. See Evidence and APA Citation for Graduate Learners.
Font and font size: Use APA approved font and size.
Competencies Measured
By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Apply research findings to inform and improve practice, policy, and programs. (C4.GP.A)
Select, identify, and describe a specific economic, cultural, social, and/or environmental justice issue. (C4.GP.A)
Describe the purpose, methodology, outcomes, and how the study informs the selected issue for each chosen study in an annotated bibliography. (C4.GP.A)
Competency 2: Identify ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive strategies that address inherent biases for use in quantitative and qualitative research methods to advance the purposes of social work. (C4.GP.B)
Explain the rationale for selecting this topic. (C4.GP.B)
Reflect on your positionality using the Anti-Racist Research Individual Action Plan as a guide. (C4.GP.B)
Evaluate the outcomes and utilization of AORP for each chosen study in an annotated bibliography. If the study does not utilize AORP, describe what is needed to integrate AORP into the research. (C4.GP.B)
Competency 3: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession.
Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with expectations for members of the social work profession. -
Title: “Interrelated Findings and their Impact on Billing and Information Management in Healthcare”
How do the primary findings relate to one another? How do they impact billing?
2) Which additional finding will I address first and why is it a priority? (Choose one)
3) Why are these things happening?
4) How are these issues related to information management and health records? -
“Addressing Common Themes and Unique Challenges in Group Therapy for Diverse Populations” “Overcoming Unique Challenges in Group Counseling: Strategies for Working with Involuntary and Mandated Members” “Facilitating Grace, Redemption, Compassion, and Truthfulness in Group Therapy”
Respond to each post
1-When facilitating group sessions for diverse populations, such as an HIV/AIDS support group, a grief group for the elderly, and a domestic violence support group, several common themes and unique challenges can emerge. Despite the differences in the specific issues faced by each group, common themes often include coping with stigma, dealing with loss (whether it’s loss of health, a loved one, or a sense of safety), and rebuilding one’s sense of self-worth and agency.
Common Themes:
• Stigma and Isolation: Members of the HIV/AIDS and domestic violence groups might experience stigma and isolation, which can compound feelings of shame and loneliness. Similarly, elderly individuals in a grief group may feel isolated due to the deaths of their peers and the stigmatization of aging.
• Loss and Mourning: All groups deal with loss in some form—health, loved ones, or a sense of safety and normalcy. The process of mourning and finding new meaning in life is a central challenge.
• Empowerment and Agency: Rebuilding self-esteem and agency is crucial, particularly for survivors of domestic violence, but also for those coping with illness or the loss of close companions in their old age.
Strategies to Address Challenges:
1. Creating a Safe Space: Ensure that the group setting feels safe and supportive. This involves setting clear group norms about confidentiality, respect, and non-judgmental listening.
2. Validation and Empathy: Actively work to validate members’ experiences and feelings. Empathy must be a constant element in these interactions, showing members that their feelings are understood and legitimate.
3. Skill Building: Depending on the group’s needs, introduce practical coping skills. For example, stress management techniques might benefit an HIV/AIDS group, while assertiveness training could be crucial for a domestic violence support group.
Theoretical Approach: Given the varied needs of these groups, an Integrative Approach that blends elements from different theories would likely be most effective. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) could help address distorted thinking patterns and behaviors that contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety, which are common across all groups. For processing deep-seated emotions and improving interpersonal relationships, elements of Psychodynamic Therapy and Interpersonal Therapy could be integrated.
Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy. New York, NY: Basic Books
2-When conducting group sessions for diverse populations such as an HIV/AIDS support group, a grief group for the elderly, and a domestic violence support group what common themes
As much as this question puts forth common themes and unique issues it is difficult to answer as within each group everyone is unique in who they are. One size does not fit all. The common themes are normal for any group in that that the counselor must be competent in the population they are working with. Also, they will need to have a knowledge of basics for counseling these groups. At the end of the day, they will need to use professional empathy and therapeutic standards.
unique issues might arise among these groups Explain the strategies you would employ to address these challenges.
With the HIV/AIDS support group the counselor will need to have an understanding of the disease, medicines, and proper assessment for the individuals. The biggest role these groups play are for education and support. “Support groups for people living with HIV (PLHIV) are integrated into Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) care and treatment programs as a modality for increasing patient literacy and as an intervention to address the psycho social needs of patients” (Bateganya, et al., 2015).
The grief group is important to have a set way of approaching grief. I learned at a church I pastured that also the physical reality of the elderly is that there should be a bathroom close to were you meet and don’t go long. This is an issue that many of the elderly felt shame about so it is important to plan where they will meet. Another issue is to make sure to meet during the day as many elderly do not like to drive at night. Further, make sure the meeting room is on the first floor and close to the entrance where there is minimal walking to get to the meeting and they be dropped off close to the entrance.
Domestic violence group has additional challenges. Security and safety are a priority. Many times, the group will not have the addressed published and is only open by referral through health care workers, case worker, or law enforcement. The group leader must decide the boundaries for who can be in the group. Attached to this is the priority of the group leader having a written safety plan.
The other unique challenge of this is the group must have very defined goals for the group. For example, is it a group that deals with the depth of trauma? Is the group merely to educate and support individuals to make good discissions.
Which theoretical approach would you apply to guide your counseling in these group settings?
This is very difficult to answer as it depends on what the goal of the group is. For the elder grief group, obviously psychodynamic theory will be used that looks at unconscious experience, relational of self- and other-focused, and transference relationship. The domestic abuse support group would use various theoretical approaches. “Some of the psychotherapies that have been proven effective for PTSD and trauma are CBT, STAIR, IPT, CBD, and EMDR etc. For the HIV group ART is generally used.
Reference
M. H., Amanyeiwe, U., Roxo, U., & Dong, M. (2015). Impact of support groups for people living with HIV on clinical outcomes: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of acquired immune deficiency syndromes (1999), 68 Suppl 3(0 3). https://doi.org/10.1097/QAI.0000000000000519
3-Working with involuntary or mandated group members really poses unique challenges and requires a well crafted approach. Personally, I approach the idea with a mixture of caution and optimism. Caution because these individuals might not initially be open to the process due to their involuntary status, which can make engagement and breakthroughs more difficult. Optimism, because there’s a great opportunity to impact lives that might not otherwise seek help, potentially guiding them towards meaningful change.
Working with involuntary or mandated group members really poses unique challenges and requires a well crafted approach. Personally, I approach the idea with a mixture of caution and optimism. Caution because these individuals might not initially be open to the process due to their involuntary status, which can make engagement and breakthroughs more difficult. Optimism, because there’s a great opportunity to impact lives that might not otherwise seek help, potentially guiding them towards meaningful change.
Building Trust and Rapport: Early sessions would focus heavily on building trust and rapport. I would spend time discussing their perceptions and expectations of the group, addressing misconceptions, and setting a tone of respect and understanding.
Emphasizing Personal Benefit: Unlike voluntary clients who come with a personal goal in mind, involuntary clients might see no personal benefit initially. I’d work to frame the group’s goals in a way that aligns with their personal interests or desires, such as reducing legal consequences, improving family relationships, or personal development, making participation more relevant to their lives.
Creating a Non-judgmental Environment: It’s key to create an environment that does not feel punitive but instead focuses on growth and learning. This involves ensuring that all conversations are respectful and that every group member feels heard and valued.
Christian Principles in Counseling: Incorporating Christian principles can play a significant role in how these groups are facilitated. Some of the key principles include:
Grace: Demonstrating grace is about showing kindness and forgiveness, even when it’s undeserved. For mandated clients, who may often feel judged or condemned, experiencing grace can be transformative.
• Redemption: This principle speaks to the belief that everyone has the capacity for change and redemption. Communicating this belief can inspire hope among participants that they are not defined by their past actions but can work towards a new path.
• Compassion: Showing genuine concern for their struggles and empathizing with their situations can help break down barriers of resistance and build the therapeutic relationship.
• Truthfulness: Being honest and transparent about the process, expectations, and the realities of their situations can foster a respectful and trusting environment.
McMinn, M. R. (2011). Psychology, Theology, and Spirituality in Christian Counseling. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers