Group Counseling Intervention Research Articles

Enhancing the Seeking Safety group intervention with trauma-sensitive yoga practice: A program evaluation

Background and purposeThe purpose of this article is to report the results of a qualitative Utilization Focused Program Evaluation on the integration of the Seeking Safety manualized group counseling intervention with Trauma-Sensitive (TS) yoga practice at a community mental health agency. To date, there has been no evaluation of Seeking Safety and TS yoga as complementary therapies. Method and materialsQualitative data were generated from key informant interviews and focus groups, then coded and analyzed for theme and content. ResultsAnalysis of data indicate that, in this specific setting, the combination of Seeking Safety and TS Yoga was perceived by clients and clinicians as an effective complementary intervention strategy. ConclusionThe results of this qualitative evaluation are specific to the agency utilizing the interventions. By integrating Seeking Safety with TS yoga many of the inherent weaknesses of the two individual approaches were moderated.

Addressing Tobacco Use in Underserved Communities Through a Peer-Facilitated Smoking Cessation Program.

Communities Engaged and Advocating for a Smoke-Free Environment (CEASE) is a long-standing research partnership between a university and the neighboring community that was established to reduce tobacco use among poor and underserved residents. The CEASE tobacco cessation program was implemented in four phases, with each new phase applying lessons learned from the previous phases to improve outcomes. This study describes CEASE's community-based approach and reports results from implementing the second phase of the intervention which, among other things, varied in the type of incentives, setting, and providers used. CEASE implemented a mixed-methods study following the Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach. During Phase II, a total of 398 smokers were recruited into two 12-session group counseling interventions facilitated by trained peers in community venues, which differed in the type of incentives used to increase participation and reward the achievement of milestones. At 12-week follow-up, 21% of all participants reported not smoking, with a retention rate (i.e., attendance at six or more of the 12 cessation classes offered) of 51.9%. No significant differences in cessation outcomes were found between the two study arms. Using a CBPR approach resulted in a peer-led model of care with improved outcomes compared to Phase I, which was provided by clinicians. The combined use of monetary and non-monetary incentives was helpful in increasing participation in the program but did not significantly impact smoking cessation. A CBPR approach can increase the acceptability and effectiveness of cessation services for underserved populations.

Asian American Identity Development: A Bicultural Model for Youth

This article focuses on the development of a four-week group counseling intervention, East West Connection (EWC), designed to foster bicultural identity development among East Asian American (EAA) youth. The program aims to promote well-being and decrease culturally based conflicts. The authors outline the program, discuss the strengths and challenges, and present the implications for counseling.

Examining the Utility of Group Counseling for LGBTQ+ Young Adults in the Coming Out Process

ABSTRACTAlthough the need for counseling specific to LGBTQ+ coming out concerns is recognized, limited empirical evidence exists to substantiate such claims. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between LGBTQ+ young adults’ (ages 18–24) group therapeutic factor scores and their levels of coping, appraisal of social support, and coming out growth following their participation in a strength-based group counseling intervention. Significant relationships were identified between the participants’ group therapeutic factor score and their adaptive coping and coming out growth scores. Implications for group counseling and counselor education are discussed.

The impact of strengths-based group counseling on LGBTQ + young adults in the coming out process

Our investigation explored the impact of an eight-hour strengths-based group counseling intervention on LGBTQ + young adults’ (ages 18–24) levels of coping, appraisal of social support, and coming out growth. The results identified a within-subjects multivariate effect across time (85% of the variance explained), and analysis of univariate tests indicated that adaptive coping, social support, and coming out growth exhibited change over time. The findings provide support for the use of a strengths-based group therapy curriculum in helping LGBTQ+ young adults grow from the coming out process.

Cultural Connections: An Ethnocultural Counseling Intervention for Black Women in College

Counseling interventions that support the exploration of ethnocultural concerns are beneficial to the overall well‐being of Black women in college. The authors describe Cultural Connections, a theoretically based and culturally adapted group counseling intervention for Black women in college. Also presented are a case example demonstrating the intervention's utility and recommendations for implementation in college counseling centers.

Collecting School Counseling Group Work Data: Initiating Consensual Qualitative Research through Practitioner–Researcher Partnerships

Group counseling interventions can be complex to assess and research. Over the years, The Journal for Specialists in Group Work (JSGW) has highlighted many of these challenges and offered valued approaches to designing projects that promote the efficacy and meaningfulness of group work in various settings. Similarly, school counseling literature has increasingly called for more research specific to the work of school counselors and highlighted the value of establishing practitioner-researcher partnerships to design and implement studies with fidelity. The following article considers these recommendations and offers a rationale for using Consensual Qualitative Research, a modern approach to qualitative inquiry, to help practitioners and researchers collaborate in the design and implementation of group work research in the schools.

PHARMACIST LEAD PATIENT COUNSELLING: IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN ASTHMA PATIENTS

Safe and effective drug therapy depends on patients being well informed about their medication. The proper use of drugs and patient education are vital for asthma management. Increasing patient’s knowl-edge about their asthma therapy is a necessary component of asthma management. This study was carried out to assess the patient counseling impact on quality of life (QOL) in asthma patients using SF 36questionnaire. In this study a total of hundred patients diagnosed with asthma were enrolled by considering the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Out of this, 50 (50%) patients were in intervention and 50 (50%) patients in the control group. As per our study it was found that the predominant risk factor for Asthma was fumes and smoking was found to be the major risk factor in males. After patient counseling intervention group showed improvement in QOL from the baseline to1st and 2nd follow-ups. But control group doesn’t show significant improvement in the QOL from the baseline to 1st and 2nd follow-ups. Physical activity and daily activity was also found to be increased during second follow-up in intervention group than in control group. Our study concluded that continuous education programs and counseling should be conducted for chronic diseases to emphasize and re-emphasize the importance of Quality of Life, to prevent recurrences, reduce progression of disease and ultimately minimize the hospitalization and there is a need of continuous pharmaceutical care services/ monitoring to improve the better quality of life.

Impact of Group Counseling Intervention Programme on Farmers

Every individual in the society belongs to many groups. Most of the personal and social needs are fulfilled through groups. The groups are most natural and effective tool for learning. The members of groups have common goal to find solution to their problem. Group counseling has noticeable effects in various fields. The purpose of this paper is to explain how farmers are benefitted by group counseling intervention programme. It is actually field study of 10 groups of rice growing farmers in 10 villages of Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Rice is a basic crop in Sindhudurg district for livelihood of farmers but due to the lack of knowledge about improved cultivation practices of rice. The production of rice was less and input cost was more. Farmers were getting less income. On this background, Non Government Organization working for rural development supported the farmers by giving group counseling based on improved technology of ‘System of Rice Intensification (SRI)’. It is the innovative experiment of application of group counseling for farmer community which has resulted into observable, measurable and sustainable impact.

Overcoming a Legacy of Conflict: The Repercussive Effects of Stress and Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma Among Vietnamese Americans

ABSTRACTThe modern narrative of Vietnamese people is often strongly associated with events of the 20th century, such as the Vietnam War, but a legacy of strife in Southeast Asia spans many centuries. Enduring stress and trauma has pernicious psychological and physiological repercussions that have affected first and later generations of Vietnamese American refugees. To contextualize the present-day narrative, we review the history of Vietnam and the contemporary refugee experience in the United States. We then examine more proximal spheres of influence, including community and family. Finally, we review individual experiences of stress and trauma. We present recommendations to inform individual, group, family, and community-based counseling interventions, as well as recommendations for future research.

Literacy, Personal Development, and Social Development Among Latina Youth: Exploring the Use of Latino Literature and Dance

A culturally responsive group counseling intervention was conducted that merged literacy acquisition with personal and social development. Employing an embedded mixed methods design, 20 fifth-grade Latina students were randomly assigned to engage in an 18-week group counseling curriculum consisting of culturally meaningful readings, discussions, and physical activities involving Latino literature and dance (n = 10) or to attend character enrichment, serving as the active control (n = 10). A two-group quasi-experimental analysis using non-parametric tests indicated a significant improvement in literacy grades but limited change in personal and social development among intervention participants. No significant differences in literacy grades were found between intervention and active control groups. Feasibility and service outcomes were examined through completion of group leader checklists, student and educator surveys, and semi-structured interviews with parents. Findings warrant further examination of employing cultural sensitivity with Latina youth in counseling group work.

Adlerian-Based Positive Group Counseling Interventions with Emotionally Troubled Youth

The focus of Adlerian therapy is to help individuals discover their resources and strengths, and to help them to be more encouraged in reaching their goals in a more functioning way. Recently, the positive psychology movement has become the major focus for researchers and mental health providers. Adlerian theory and ensuing humanistic approaches have been considered as the basis of positive psychology. Positive psychology—like Adlerian theory—calls for looking at individual strengths, virtues, and areas of well-being. This article describes an Adlerian-based group counseling program which integrated positive psychology interventions with youth in a residential treatment center. This article describes how Adlerian theory aligns with the positive psychology interventions, along with recommendations for practitioners.

Managing of oral medicines in paediatric oncology: can a handbook and a pharmaceutical counselling intervention for patients and their parents prevent knowledge deficits? A pilot study

ObjectivesTo assess knowledge deficits of patients/parents and prevention strategies.MethodsAfter receiving ethics approval, we performed a controlled, quasi-randomised, prospective intervention study. We enrolled patients/parents involved in managing oral medicines in three...

Breast and Prostate Cancer Survivor Responses to Group Exercise and Supportive Group Psychotherapy

This study qualitatively examined an 8-week group exercise and counseling intervention for breast and prostate cancer survivors. Groups exercised 3 days per week, 50 minutes per session, performing moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance training. Groups also underwent 90-minute supportive group psychotherapy sessions once per week. Survivors discussed their experiences in focus groups post intervention. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Survivors described how exercise facilitated counseling by creating mutual aid and trust, and counseling helped participants with self-identity, sexuality, and the return to normalcy. When possible, counselors and fitness professionals should create partnerships to optimally support cancer survivors.

Garden Counseling Groups and Self-Esteem: A Mixed Methods Study With Children With Emotional and Behavioral Problems

This research study focused on the use of a garden group counseling intervention to address the self-esteem of children with emotional and behavioral problems. The researchers found higher self-esteem among participants (N = 31) following the gardening group. Additionally, participants discussed feeling calm and happy and learning to working together through the group experience.

Group Counseling for Reducing the Anxiety in Parents of Children with Autism

This research is conducted through quasi - experimental research methodology. The purpose is to study the anxiety of parents of children with autism and to compare pre-and post the results of group counseling. The target groups in this research are parents of children with autism from the Autistic Research Center and KhonKaen Autism Parents Association. The representative sample populations are the parents of children with autism from Autistic Research Center and KhonKaen Autism Parents Association who answered the anxiety questionnaires and volunteers conducted the group counseling. The total sampled population is 20 people divided into two groups, a control group and a sample group. The assessment instruments used in this research are the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) from Steilberger's questionnaires and the program of group counseling, the Wilcoxon Matched Pairs Signed- Ranks Test and The Mann – Whitney U Test. Results of this research after group counseling intervention showed a decreased level of anxiety in the parents of children with autism with a statistical significance of .05.

A Pilot Study of Meaning-Based Group Counseling for Bereavement

Scientific studies demonstrating either the efficacy or effectiveness of interventions for uncomplicated bereavement are lacking. This study reports the results of a novel meaning-based group counseling (MBGC) intervention developed for bereaved adults. MBGC was built on previous scholarly critiques using a formative evaluation methodology within a group of bereaved adults ( n = 11). The primary research questions were as follows: (a) How do bereft individuals respond to MBGC? and (b) What refinements are needed to MBGC to ensure feasibility? A secondary research question was: (c) Is collection of quantitative outcome measures at baseline and postintervention feasible? Analysis of multiple qualitative data sources resulted in numerous refinements to MBGC. Results indicate that the majority of participants found the meaning-based intervention beneficial. Limitations included concurrent external therapies and a small sample size that was largely homogenous. There were no major counterindications to proceeding with a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Reconstructing Meaning with Others in Loss: A Feasibility Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Bereavement Group

More effective psychosocial interventions that target uncomplicated bereavement are needed for those actively seeking support. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of evaluating a unique meaning-based group counseling (MBGC) intervention with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Twenty-six bereft individuals were randomly assigned to either MBGC or a control bereavement support group. Twenty participants (11 experimental, nine control) completed all aspects of the study including self-report measures at baseline, postintervention, and 3-month follow-up of meaning in life, anxiety, depression, and grief. Results support the feasibility of an RCT with MBGC.

The Role of Physical Counselling in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review

Context: Physical exercise is a key component of treatment and management of people with Type 2 Diabetes, but the role of strategies and interventions to increase and promote physical activity is unclear. Objective: To conduct a systematic review of intervention studies assessing the effects of physical activity counselling on health outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Data sources: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov databases were used for the literature search. Data Selection: Studies that assessed the effects of interventions mainly based on physical activity counselling strategies, on physical activity level and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were included in the review. Data Extraction: Two independent reviewers extracted the data. Data Synthesis: A total of 23 studies out of 1425 retrieved from databases search, were included in the review. The global number of subjects included in the selected studies was 9913, and the mean age of participants was 58.8 (±8.2) years (min = 46.3; max = 73.6). The most part of the studies (19) reported values of physical activity level; 13 of them (68.4%) found a significant effect after the counselling intervention, while 6 (31.6%) did not found significant changes. Among the 17 studies reporting data on HbA1c 9 (52.9%) described a significant decrease in the counselling intervention group, while 7 (41.2%) did not find any statistically significant change and 1 (5.9%) reported a significant HbA1c reduction in the comparison group rather than the counselling group. Conclusions: The results presented in this systematic review seem to affirm the usefulness of physical counselling interventions on physical activity and HbA1c, however the lack of homogeneity in the intervention protocols and the contrasting results limit the comprehension of the usefulness of such an approach in patient with type 2 diabetes.

Wheel of Wellness Counseling in Community Dwelling, Korean Elders: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Wheel of Wellness counseling on wellness lifestyle, depression, and health-related quality of life in community dwelling elderly people. A parallel, randomized controlled, open label, trial was conducted. Ninety-three elderly people in a senior welfare center were randomly assigned to two groups: 1) A Wheel of Wellness counseling intervention group (n=49) and 2) a no-treatment control group (n=44). Wheel of Wellness counseling consisted of structured, individual counseling based on the Wheel of Wellness model and provided once a week for four weeks. Wellness lifestyle, depression, and health-related quality of life were assessed pre-and post-test in both groups. Data from 89 participants were analyzed. For participants in the experimental group, there was a significant improvement on all of the wellness-lifestyle subtasks except realistic beliefs. Perceived wellness and depression significantly improved after the in the experimental group (n=43) compared to the control group (n=46) from pre- to post-test in the areas of sense of control (p=.033), nutrition (p=.017), exercise (p=.039), self-care (p<.001), stress management (p=.017), work (p=.011), perceived wellness (p=.019), and depression (p=.031). One participant in the intervention group discontinued the intervention due to hospitalization and three in the control group discontinued the sessions. Wheel of Wellness counseling was beneficial in enhancing wellness for the community-dwelling elderly people. Research into long-term effects of the intervention and health outcomes is recommended.