How Personal Growth and Task Groups Work

Focusing on 'normal' rather than clinical populations, this book presents an account of how practitioners can develop effective groups. Two major categories of groups are explored: } task groups (such as committee groups) for solving problems and accomplishing tangible goals, and } personal groups (such as psychotherapy groups) for achieving individual change and developing interpersonal skills. The author utilizes two extensive examples or 'stories' throughout to demonstrate the applicability of his conceptual framework for group facilitation.

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 42 years of professional experience as a University Professor and Department Head, counselor, administrator, consultant, and trainer, and, most recently, as a consultant to military personnel and their families at U.S. installations both at home and overseas. 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 a Soros International Scholar. He was 2009 President of the APA's Division of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy, and in 1996 was President of the Association for Specialists in Group Work. With over 200 scholarly publications and presentations including 14 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." His most recent publication is the Handbook of Group Counseling (edited, Oxford University Press, 2011), preceded directly by Prevention Program Development and Evaluation: An Incidence Reduction, Culturally-Relevant Approach (SAGE); the Prevention Practice Kit, co-edited with Arthur M. Horne, Ph.D., is immediately forthcoming through SAGE. 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.