Group Counseling Techniques

This course provides social workers with a comprehensive overview of group counseling theories, techniques, and practical applications. Participants will explore the foundations of group work, including developmental stages, group dynamics, and facilitation skills.

🕒 5 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 5/13/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1352213

Education Pathways, LLC provider #2485 , is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027.. Social workers completing this course receive 5 Clinical continuing education credits.

In this online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

Special emphasis is placed on adapting interventions for diverse populations and addressing ethical and legal considerations in group settings. Through case studies and session planning examples, attendees will gain tools to implement effective, culturally responsive group counseling across varied practice environments.

This course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance confidence and competence in leading therapeutic groups.

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Learning Objectives

Participants will:

Describe the purpose and benefits of group counseling and differentiate types of groups in social work.
Compare group counseling with individual therapy, analyzing roles and ethical considerations.
Apply psychodynamic, cognitive‑behavioral, and person‑centered theories to group interventions.
Evaluate integrative approaches and their strengths/limitations.
Explain stages of group development and analyze group dynamics.
Demonstrate facilitation techniques that promote trust, safety, and participation.
Adapt group counseling for diverse populations (children, older adults, trauma survivors, LGBTQ+, substance use).
Apply ethical principles and legal requirements in group settings.
Use assessment tools to select members, set goals, and evaluate outcomes.
Implement session plans and strategies for real‑world challenges.

View course timed agenda

1. Introduction to Group Counseling (20 min)

Definition and purpose
History and evolution
Benefits of group counseling
Types of groups (support, psychoeducational, therapy, task, growth)
Role of the social worker
Ethical and legal considerations
Group vs. individual therapy

2. Theoretical Foundations (40 min)

Psychodynamic theory
Cognitive‑behavioral techniques
Person‑centered and humanistic approaches
Solution‑focused and narrative therapy
Systems theory and ecological perspective
Integrative approaches

3. Group Development Stages and Dynamics (44 min)

Tuckman’s stages: forming, storming, norming, performing, adjourning
Yalom’s therapeutic factors
Group norms, roles, cohesion
Transference, countertransference, resistance
Managing conflict

4. Facilitation Skills and Techniques (55 min)

Core skills of effective facilitators
Structuring and leading sessions
Building trust and safety
Managing dominant/silent members
Crisis management
Creative modalities (art, music, role play)

5. Special Populations and Adaptations (52 min)

Children and adolescents
Adults and older adults
Trauma survivors
Substance use groups
LGBTQ+ clients
Cultural considerations

6. Ethical and Legal Issues (15 min)

Informed consent and confidentiality
Mandated reporting
Dual relationships and boundaries
Documentation and record keeping
Agency policies and NASW Code of Ethics

7. Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation (39 min)

Needs assessment
Goal setting and curriculum planning
Screening and member selection
Measuring progress and outcomes
Feedback and evaluation tools
Termination and follow‑up

8. Practical Applications and Case Studies (35 min)

Sample session plans
Real‑world case studies
Common challenges and solutions
Integrating group work into practice settings

Total Instruction Time

300 minutes (Five CE Hours)

🌟 Key Takeaway

This course equips social workers with theories, skills, and practical tools to lead therapeutic groups effectively, ethically, and responsively across diverse practice settings.

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$69.99 USD

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Frequently Asked Questions About this Class

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Benefits:

Virtual Access From Any Computer

Certificate of Completion for Every Class

Annual Subscription

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Visual Support

All lesson content includes high-quality captions and fully searchable transcripts for easy reference and accessibility.

Learning Pace

Need extra time for assignments? We offer flexible pacing options.

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FAQs About Our Online Classes in General

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to [email protected] or call us on: +1 239-544-0606