Group Counselling: Theory, Process and External Practice

This course focuses on the interplay between individuals and groups, and the candidate acquires advanced knowledge about, and experience with, group processes, from a guidance- and counselling perspective. In the course, thorough theoretical knowledge and specialized practical competence in group communication is promoted. This implies leading and guiding group processes from an understanding of group dynamics, conflict management strategies and cooperative strategies. The course contributes to insight into practical domains where counselling and guidance constitute a part of the business.

Knowledge:

The candidate...

- has a thorough knowledge of central group development theories.

- has advanced theoretical knowledge about the basis for developing resources in groups.

- has thorough knowledge about factors that might hinder or promote group development.

- can analyze problem areas and challenges within the professional field of counselling anchored in the history, traditions and distinctive characteristics of the field.

Skills:

The candidate...

- has specialized skills related to understanding and analyzing group processes, and can stimulate, influence and guide teams and groups in their development.

- can observe group processes and give feedback to the group and its individuals.

- can guide groups to increased knowledge, more effective group communication and better task performance.

- can contribute to preventing and handling conflicts and facilitating group cooperation.

- can apply knowledge in new areas within the professional field.

- can guide learning in groups through debriefing.

General competence:

The candidate...

- can utilize group counselling to stimulate cooperation and development in groups and teams.

- can lead and guide developmental processes in groups under favourable and unfavourable conditions.

The teaching has both a theoretical and practical focus and draws on experiential learning by participation in and leading groups and teams. The candidates are organized into groups that work together. Through this one explores and challenges one's and others' communicational patterns and works with developmental challenges in the group. Through two intensive module-based gatherings, the candidates are given the opportunity to explore the role of the group leader/guide. In addition, an introduction will be given to the use of a method for mapping work and communicational styles in the group context. Lectures 4 hours per week, in addition to 3-day group process module 1 and 3-day group process module 2. In both modules, the teaching lasts 7 hours pr. day. The course will, through an external practice experience, give an understanding of and insight into a specific practice area amongst several options, where counselling and guidance are a part of the business context. The practice guide facilitates the candidate's development of advanced knowledge about, and specialized competence within, the actual practice domain. A plenary presentation and evaluation of the practice will be carried out, based on a practice report that must be approved before the candidate can do the exam. Check Canvas for more detailed information about compulsory activities at the beginning of the semester.