Failures in Group Work: How We Can Learn from Our Mistakes

Actual failures in group work are examined in this book, as are the ways in which group leaders learnt from their mistakes, transforming failure into success.

Two chapters are devoted to each major type of group work: task groups; psychoeducational groups; counselling groups; and psychotherapy groups. In each case study presented, Robert K Conyne covers the background, focuses on the group leadership functions of planning, performing and processing, and analyzes the major elements of the case.

Actual failures in group work are examined in this book, as are the ways in which group leaders learnt from their mistakes, transforming failure into success.

Two chapters are devoted to each major type of group work: task groups; psychoeducational groups; counselling groups; and psychotherapy groups. In each case study presented, Robert K Conyne covers the background, focuses on the group leadership functions of planning, performing and processing, and analyzes the major elements of the case.

Booknews

Offers examples of group leaders learning from their mistakes and using the insight to twist failure into success, and distills from them a practical systematic approach for others to follow. After setting out a theoretical framework, looks at task, psychoeducation, counseling, and psychotherapy groups. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Robert K. Conyne, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus from the University of Cincinnati, is a Licensed Psychologist, Clinical Counselor and Fellow of the Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW) and the American Psychological Association. He has 36 years of professional experience as a University Professor and Department Head, psychologist, counselor, administrator, consultant, and trainer. Current work finds him volunteering as an American Red Cross disaster mental health specialist and serving as a Military Family Life Consultant. Bob has received many awards, including Eminent Career Award from the ASGW; Lifetime Achievement Award in Prevention, Society of Counseling Psychology of the APA; Distinguished Alumni Award of Distinction from Purdue University, and being designated a Soros International Scholar. He is 2009 President of the APA's Division of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy. With over 200 scholarly publications and presentations including 10 books in his areas of expertise (group work, prevention, and ecological counseling), along with broad international consultation in these areas, Bob is recognized as an expert in working with people and systems. With colleague (and wife), Lynn S. Rapin, Ph.D., he also helps people plan and prepare psychologically for their upcoming retirement, using the holistic approach they developed, "Charting Your Personal Future."

This new book on Prevention Program Development builds on his basic text, Preventive Counseling (2004). His most recent offering (2008) is Group Techniques: How to Use Them More Meaningfully (with former students Jeri Crowell and Mark Newmeyer), which demonstrates how to help group membersby using an ecological orientation. When not working, Bob and Lynn-as often as possible with their children Suzanne and Zack, who are now grown—can be found enjoying life at their Northern Ontario cottage with their dog, Lucy.