The Group Experience

Abstract

Knowledge of group dynamics and leadership activities is a component of the CORE Standards for the Master's degree curriculum in Rehabilitation Counseling. A group experience is often included as a learning activity in rehabilitation counselor education curricula as an instructional method of imparting knowledge of group dynamics. Group experience pedagogy may include process-observer methods, T-groups, demonstration groups, role-play groups, and activity groups. The choice of group experience method must balance the needs of the counselor-in-training with protection of the public and fellow trainees from harm. Harm can be reduced through the choice of a method congruent with the type of groups rehabilitation counselors are expected to lead.