Experiential sociometry in group work: mutual aid for the group-as-a-whole

Abstract

ABSTRACT Social work with groups is built upon the foundational principle of mutual aid. The group accesses its capacity to support, educate, and heal itself through the mutual aid process. The sociometric work of Jacob L. Moreno, an often-ignored pioneer of group therapy and founder of psychodrama, provides social workers with experiential group tools to facilitate mutual aid through conscious group-as-a-whole action. Sociometry tools will be highlighted for their unique group-as-a-whole approach to accessing mutual aid, group cohesion, and safety for traumatized groups. These interactive group tools will be presented primarily as psychotherapy tools, nevertheless, attention will also be given to their utility in educational groups, supervision groups, and communities. Moreno’s philosophical concept of the Autonomous Healing Center will be presented as it relates to group work, mutual aid, and the therapeutic agency of each group member.