Deck 6: Initial Stage of a Group

Question 1

Yolanda is cursing at other members in the group and occasionally at the leader himself. Other than the curses, she is silent. It is interfering with the group, which, as a whole, can't bypass these outbursts. Something must give. The leader should pay particular attention to:

A) The severity of the curses
B) Yolanda's past history
C) The lowering of her (the leader's) status as an effective controller
D) What Yolanda is not saying

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Conflict is most likely to occur during which stage of a therapeutic group?

A) Final
B) Transition
C) Orientation
D) Equally during all stages

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Two crucial tasks inherent in the initial stage of group therapy are orientation and ______________.

A) expression
B) exploration
C) introduction
D) assessment

Answer 3

B

Question 4

The setting and reinforcement of clearly spelled-out group norms is a recommended way of ensuring group __________.

A) success
B) communication
C) confrontation
D) cohesion

Question 5

In certain circumstances, there is hesitancy among members of certain racial and ethnic groups to discuss personal matters with members of groups perceived to be more dominant. A term that may be used to describe this defensive phenomenon is:

A) Cultural disconnection
B) Psychological submissiveness
C) Healthy paranoia
D) Cultural maladjustment

Question 6

Steering or redirecting a group member to the here-and-now:

A) Is always the method of choice
B) Always results in a positive outcome
C) Helps the group progress always
D) Can be limiting and negative when the subject is grief

Question 7

Asking group members to pair up with those of their choosing for self-disclosure exercises is:

A) A bad idea: It leads to over-dependency
B) A bad idea: It can lead to projection and transference
C) A good idea: It lowers the level of perceived threat
D) A good idea: Cohesive groups can then become smaller, tighter groups that will then meet exclusively on their own in future sessions

Question 8

Group practitioners need to be aware that hesitation to participate in a group may be more the result of __________ than of an uncooperative attitude.

A) lack of trust
B) anxiety
C) cultural background
D) uncooperation

Question 9

Leaders should avoid __________ until they have earned that right by building a trusting relationship with the members.

A) confrontational interventions
B) self-disclosing
C) empathic responses
D) active listening

Question 10

Ambiguity and lack of a structured approach in groups often lead to:

A) More freedom of expression
B) A leader among the counselees who emerges and challenges authority
C) Anxiety
D) Positive advice

Question 11

Bernie, in a very early session of a counseling group, expresses emotions ranging from fear to anxiety, uncertainty to hope. Looking to his therapist, Bernie's progress will hinge on the perceived level of ____________ which he feels.

A) trust
B) confidentiality
C) self-awareness
D) shame

Question 12

Asking members how they _______________ with conflict within a group is a recommended means to assist in dealing with it when, and if, it arises.

A) promise to deal
B) predict how they would deal
C) neglect to deal
D) as a child used to deal

Question 13

Before trust is fully established, "self-disclosure" on the part of members has a strong tendency to be all of the following EXCEPT :

A) Spontaneous
B) Superficial
C) Low risk
D) Rehearsed

Question 14

Which of the following is an example of improperly "attending" to (a) member(s) of the group?

A) Prompting members to express how they are feeling "bodily"
B) Paying attention to nonverbal behavior
C) Asking questions to probe for additional details
D) Selective listening

Question 15

Tuning into the ____________ feelings and experiences of another person is ____________.

A) objective/sympathy
B) perceived/genuineness
C) subjective/empathy
D) subjective/respect

Question 16

The responsibility of group leaders in assisting members in the development of their personal goals should be done in a "_____________" manner.

A) collaborative
B) challenging
C) respectful
D) structured

Question 17

Which of the following is not a recommended manner of closing a regular group session (a regular session, not the final session)?

A) Leaving unanswered questions
B) Giving homework
C) Asking members what they don't like about the group
D) Limiting members to giving feedback to the leader but not to their peers

Question 18

Sherman and Belinda are co-leading a group. One is nurturing and sensitive while the other is more direct, some even say "a bit too pushy." Which of the following statements is true?

A) These styles balance themselves out nicely
B) The difference in style can be detrimental
C) According to experts (Yalom) (Burlingame), it is essential for members to be exposed to all types of people in life, and group therapy is no different
D) One of the co-leaders should be replaced if the group becomes "stuck" for this reason

Question 19

"Peter, I greatly value the authority, advice and experience that you bring to the group; however, please remember, the group has a leader, and that leader is me." This is an example of:

A) Therapeutic resolution
B) Positive dispute resolution
C) Caring confrontation
D) Therapeutic risk-taking

Question 20

If ________________ (s) is/are brought to the forefront and dealt with constructively, a negative can be turned into something therapeutic.

A) hidden agendas
B) physical threats - one counselee to the other -
C) breaches in confidentiality
D) laughter

Question 21

__________ provide a valuable opportunity to reinforce and extend the benefits of the work done during therapy sessions.

A) Hidden agendas
B) Selective listening
C) Homework assignments
D) Caring confrontation

Question 22

Three key constructs capture the essence of the therapeutic relationship in group treatment. Which of the following is NOT one of these constructs?

A) Group climate
B) Discrimination
C) Cohesion
D) Alliances

Question 23

__________ is essential if members are to feel a sense of safety in a group.

A) Conflict
B) Negative behavior
C) A limited goal
D) Confidentiality

Question 24

A characteristic of many members in beginning groups is the tendency to:

A) talk about their deep feelings.
B) experience a healthy cathartic event.
C) express persistent feelings and talk through the issues.
D) talk about others and to focus on people and situations outside of the group.

Question 25

__________ is not a process of making oneself psychologically naked. Members need to understand that they are responsible for deciding what, how much, and when they will share personal conflicts pertaining to their everyday life.

A) Self-disclosure
B) Empathy
C) Trust
D) Clarifying goals

Question 26

The process of __________ is important both at the beginning of a new group and at intervals as the group evolves as they are met.

A) understanding genuineness
B) self-discloser by the leader
C) setting goals
D) decreasing trust

Question 27

Many short-term psychoeducational groups are structured around:

A) a series of topics.
B) emotional issues from childhood.
C) dream work.
D) psychological submissiveness.

Question 28

__________ can be thought of as "awareness of present experience with acceptance."

A) Self-disclosure
B) Mindfulness
C) Automatic thoughts
D) Guardedness

Question 29

The __________ done prior to beginning a group helps us learn the history of group members, which enables us to better understand some of their reactions during the group     process.

A) therapeutic homework
B) screening processes
C) cognitive restructuring
D) cultural conditioning

Question 30

Starting a session with a brief __________ can set the group up to involve as many members as possible in productive work for that session.

A) cathartic event
B) conflict
C) physical exercise workout
D) check-in

Question 31

Personal __________, by the leader, can be useful when it is intentional and keeps the focus of attention on the group members rather than on the leader.

A) self-disclosure
B) empathy
C) respect
D) goals

Question 32

__________ is the ability to tune in to what others are subjectively experiencing and to see the world through their eyes.

A) Nonverbal behavior
B) Genuineness
C) Empathy
D) Self-Disclosure

Question 33

Some participants may engage in __________, believing they are really working, when in fact they are avoiding addressing and dealing with their own feelings.

A) empathy
B) self-disclosure
C) storytelling
D) feedback

Question 34

Sometimes members keep their feelings of disinterest, anger, or disappointment a secret from the rest of the group. It is most important that __________ related to the group process be aired.

A) self-disclosure
B) healthy paranoia
C) persistent feelings
D) selective listening

Question 35

When differences between leaders result in conflict between them, it can be a source of __________ for both members and leaders.

A) empathy
B) anxiety
C) trust
D) collaboration