Which one is the best between group counselling and individual counselling? This is truly interesting question be a matter worth pondering. In the chapter of group counselling leadership style, it had mentioned that there are 4 core beliefs of therapy. One of the core beliefs that had impressed me deeply, that is, helper is responsible for therapy but not definitely for the outcome. In other words, process helper is responsible in applying right theory and diverse the skill in helping process. If helper has already done her best, then she should not feel guilty even though the client has no changed as you expected after helping session. Do not let someone else’s problem to become our own responsibilities.
Furthermore, I learned that what kind of the leadership style should be used by the helper is depend on the purpose of group. Also, there are two types of leadership style can be used by helper in leading the group, namely leader-directed approach and group-directed approach. From this class, I learned that as a helper is not only to be a good listener, but also clearly understand the situation to think what kind of leadership style to be used in leading the group. Moreover, as a group helper has to identify the potential group problem such as client has no give cooperation in group, attitudes of clients in group discussion and so on in order to avoid interruption happened in helping sessions.
On the other hands, in another chapter I learned about the three stages of groups, namely beginning stage, working stage, and closing stage. As a helper, she has to clearly define the direction and objective of the group as well as build rapport with each client in the beginning stage. It is worth for spending much time on doing it. This is because starting point is very important and it enables the helping session win at the starting point. Also, a good starting point in helping session can help helper to focus on relevant issues during the working stage.