The social worker in the group demonstrated skills that effectively facilitated the group process and helped the members. These skills included engaging members, prioritizing communication, providing clarity, and increasing self-awareness. The social worker also gathered data by questioning members, connecting their comments to identify underlying issues, and providing feedback to further the therapy. Allowing members to support each other and discuss their experiences helped create a safe environment where they felt less alone in their struggles. The social worker's demonstration of these skills helped the group therapy be productive for the members.

1. Responses to Discussions for Week 6 Discussion 2
Group Intervention
When leading a group, it is the responsibility of the clinical
social worker to find a way to enable all members to benefit
from the experience. Although some members may not benefit,
it is important for the clinical social worker to identify the
positive aspects that he/she is witnessing. This strategy may
create a feeling of empowerment for the members.
Respond to 2 colleagues on whether you agree or disagree on
their discussion post. There discussions are below. Describe
how the social worker’s role as leader impacts the effectiveness
of group intervention. Each response should be in APA format
and include references and in text citations to support your
information.
Discussion #1
lynn chaney
RE: Discussion 2 - Week 6
Top of Form
Facilitation of group process describes group members
understand each other the outcomes are more favorable.
Building trust and report among members. Open
communication can then lead to everyone having an input into
the problem.
Involving group members: This can help them through other’s
problems, and solutions. This also builds group bonds, help
from each other, and can make decisions together. Calling on a
member’s experience to be shared is empowering to the client.
Toseland, (2017).
Each member was able to witness the group working out a
conflict. Members of the group were empowered. Mr. Levy
was moved from sarcasm to discussing how he is really feeling,
and the reason he is there. Although he is there because of his

2. wife, he appears to be getting involved with the group.
All members were able to witness that others are going through
the same symptoms as they are.
They are able to feel safe, especially now that Mr. Levy came
forward with his issues.
At the end of the session, the therapist asked the group how
they can move forward to find solutions. This can be
empowering to the clients.
Reference:
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to
group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Laureate Education. (Producer). (2013d). Levy (Episode 6)
[Video file]. In Sessions. Baltimore, MD: Producer. Retrieved
from https://class.waldenu.edu
Discussion #2
Alyssa Bailey
RE: Discussion 2 – Week 6
Top of Form
In the "Levy" group video there were many benefits that were
noticeable. The first benefit I noticed was that the environment
was a safe place for the individuals to share their story and feel
comfortable doing so (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). The group
members appeared comfortable sharing their story and listening
to others when there was a tough discussion taking place about
drinking alcohol and why they were utilizing alcohol to cope.
The second benefit that was noted was that each group member
was empowered by one another and the group leader (Toseland
& Rivas, 2017). Each group member was supported by one
another and the group leader when they were speaking. They
were also able to discuss different coping strategies that worked
or did not work for them. The third benefit of the group was
that the group assisted the individuals in relating to someone
else in a healthy way. The individuals were able to share
common stories and support one another by sharing and

3. listening. When finding someone else to relate to, one may
begin to feel that they are not alone. They may also begin to
form healthy relationships and bonds that lead to healthy coping
skills.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to
group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Laureate Education. (Producer). (2013d). Levy (Episode 6)
[Video file]. In Sessions. Baltimore, MD: Producer. Retrieved
from https://class.waldenu.edu
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Responses to Discussions for Week 6 Discussion 1
Group Leadership Skills
Leading a group of individuals who have suffered trauma can be
difficult because the shared stories may result in further trauma
to some of the members. Assessing the members and deciding
how they will introduce themselves at the first meeting can be a
difficult task. Helping these members begin the group therapy
process is the first step in facilitating the group.
Respond to 2 colleagues on whether you agree or disagree on
their discussion post. The 2 colleagues discussions are below.
Explain the importance of building these skills and how they
relate to facilitating the group process. Each response should be
in APA format and include intext citations and references to
support your information.
Discussion #1
Sarah Hale
RE: Discussion 1 - Week 6
Top of Form

4. Therapeutic group work with provides individuals with a myriad
of benefits for increased functionality. Group sessions provide
clients with a built-in peer social support network that is
beneficial especially when working with clients who have
experienced trauma, mental health challenges, and/or co-
occurring disorders. The resource video depicts a group of
veterans working towards acclimating to civilian life following
the trauma experienced during combat. According to
Westwood, McLean, Cave, Borgen, and Slakov (2010), military
members are at greater risk to develop Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder and approximately 80 percent of soldiers diagnosis are
more likely to have co-occurring mental health challenges. As a
result, therapeutic group work would require leadership that is
knowledgeable about the effects of trauma, capable of
effectively balancing power, and has effective conflict
resolution skills. The social worker in the resource video
displayed several attributes that are necessary for effective
group facilitation. The social worker demonstrated key
characteristics associated with “facilitating groups processes
and data gathering and assessment” (Toseland and Rivas,
2017). Facilitating groups processes is described as a
facilitator’s ability to engage group members, prioritize
effective communication, provide clarity, and increasing self-
awareness (Toseland and Rivas, 2017). The social worker
demonstrated these skills by introducing a topic that the group
members could discuss and encouraged each member to
elaborate on his experience in order to provide a basis for
understanding the challenges each member was facing since his
return to home. Additionally, the social worker demonstrated
non-verbal behaviors that communicated active listening,
warmth, and empathy. The social working also
demonstrated data gathering and assessment. Data gathering and
assessment are described as a facilitator’s aptitude for
characterizing “thoughts, feelings, and behaviors”, fostering
dialogue through “questioning and probing” and, effective
analyzing the provided information (Toseland and Rivas,

5. 2017). The social worker demonstrated these skills by
inquiring about Jake’s substance use and being able to
effectively associate Jake’s behavior with maladaptive self-
medicating behaviors. Assisting Jake and the other group
members with identifying self-medication as a maladaptive
coping mechanism assisted Jake with becoming more self-aware
regarding how his drinking is affecting his relationship with his
wife. The utilization of these skills is essential to effectively
facilitating the therapeutic group process. An additional, topic
the social worker could have utilized to promote engagement
could have been inquiring about triggers that are affecting the
group members. Jake describes waking up thinking he is still in
a combat zone and reaching for his weapons and only
recognizes that he is home when he recognizes the fabric from
the curtains. Encouraging clients to discuss triggers creates the
ability for increased self-awareness and provides the group with
a supportive environment that reduces feelings of isolation.
Additionally, identifying triggers assists with increasing self-
awareness and promotes the necessity of developing effective
coping skills. According to Murdach (2011) creating an
environment that promotes self-determination and empowerment
is essential to effective clinical practice. Social workers must
continue professional development in order to ensure his or her
ability to utilize applicable interventions and techniques that
promote empowerment, resilience, and self-efficacy.
Laureate Education. (Producer). (2013d). Levy (Episode 6)
[Video file]. In Sessions. Baltimore, MD: Producer. Retrieved
from https://class.waldenu.edu
Murdach, A. D. (2011). What happened to self-
determination? Social Work, 56(4), 371–373. Retrieved from
the Walden Library databases.
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to
group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Westwood, M. J., McLean, H., Cave, D., Borgen, W., & Slakov,
P. (2010). Coming Home: A Group-Based Approach for
Assisting Military Veterans in Transition. Journal for

6. Specialists in Group Work, 35(1), 44–68. Retrieved from the
Walden Library databases.
Discussion #2
Cynthia Blevins
RE: Discussion 1 - Week 6
Top of Form
Social Worker’s Group Leadership Skills
The purpose of a group therapy session is for the leader to have
different skills that help engage the member to resolve the
presenting issues. One of the skills in the facilitation of group
processes, the leader has attending skills. Attending skills are is
when the leader uses verbal and nonverbal behaviors to build
rapport with the members. This also helps the leader convey to
the members an empathy for the members but also
enthusiastically to what the member is saying. Another skill the
leader exhibited is that she is encouraging the members to
express themselves, which is an expressive skill. While the
leader does not use self-disclosure, she does help certain
members express their feelings and thoughts freely that is in
accordance with the goals at hand (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
The second leadership classification is that of data gathering
and assessment. The first skill is synthesizing which is making a
connection behind the meaning of words spoken or behaviors
exhibited. This is crucial for providing feedback to the members
regarding the therapy session is heading in the correct direction
for the intended goal. When the group started, the social worker
began by identifying that some members had been in Iraq or
Afghanistan and stating she would like to explore their
experiences and how they are adjusting (Laureate Education,
2013). This is an effort to request information, question, or
probe for more information to begin the conversation and
encourage disclosures (Toseland & Rivas, 2017). After one
member disclose that his “tough question” is what amount of
alcohol to buy, she attempts to clarify and analyze the

7. information he provided by asking if he is drinking more than
he used to which also summarizes and synthesizes his behavior
(Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Once Jake Levy is confronted by the
other member and they are relating information the facilitator
takes that cue and links their information and expands on how it
can relate to other behaviors, not only drinking (Toseland &
Rivas, 2017). She is supporting Jake when she validates his
feelings and thanks him for sharing personal information
(Toseland & Rivas, 2017). Further, she rephrases and reframes
his description into a working theory of behavior and what can
motivate those negative behaviors they are engaging in while
trying to cope (Laureate Education, 2013).
The third classification is action. Ensuring group members
understand that the group is a safe place and the encouragement
of sharing information will not have consequences. During
therapy sessions, the goal for the leader is to allow clients to
vent their issues and frustrations, but the leader is to give
support and empowerment to the member in return. The second
skill in action is that of giving advice. Within the therapy
session in video the leader does provide advice regarding ways
to overcome drinking excessively. However, the leader allowed
the group members to communicate amongst each other and
even have verbal exchanges, but the leader did not direct the
conversation or intervene when tempers seemed to flare
(Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
Alternate Way Social Worker Initiate Group Conversation
The social worker in this group meeting was doing an excellent
job of involving members in the group process. Members were
starting to discuss their problems which showed in developing
trust in the group with self-disclosure. Another way might be to
let a member take the leadership role to encourage members to
contribute to the content of group meetings and help shape
groups dynamic process (Toseland and Rivas, 2017,
p.114). Another way the social worker could have initiated
conversation with the group would have been to link members
with connecting how the conversation got a little heavy

8. regarding drinking (Laureate Education, 2013d). This concept
helps the members to draw a connection between the emotions
they are feeling and to put it into communication as this helps
members not only share their feelings but also a way of
validating each members emotions, thoughts, and even a feeling
of belonging to the group (Toseland & Rivas, 2017).
References:
Laureate Education. (Producer). (2013d). Levy (Episode 6)
[Video file]. In Sessions. Baltimore, MD: Producer. Retrieved
from https://class.waldenu.edu
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to
group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
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