Challenge Course Participation as a Component of Experiential Groups for Counselors in Training

Abstract

Challenge course participation is becoming increasingly recognized as an alternative intervention for improving group functioning. A preliminary investigation of challenge course participation among students who later participated in an experiential training group as part of a graduate-level group counseling course is discussed. Findings indicated that students viewed the challenge course as expediting the development of cohesiveness and as a useful addition to traditional group work. Implications for experiential training groups and suggestions for incorporating challenge courses into experiential training groups are discussed.