How to Run an Effective GroupKasie Coulombe The Early Intervention ProgramLeanne PaisleyRegional Opioid Intervention Service

Introductions

• Stationed at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre and some of our programs are funded by the Ministry of Child and Youth Services

• Groups with the Early Intervention Program are geared to adolescents at risk for developing substance abuse or related problems and focus on identifying and developing strengths and resilience

• 14 years combined experience running groups

Why are groups important?

Where to Start? Questions you need to answer…• What type of group• Group composition • Size• Frequency and duration of meetings• Length of group

Where to Start? Questions you need to answer…

• Setting• Voluntary vs. involuntary• Open vs. closed• Who

– To run the group– To be in the group

• Self-identification vs. teacher/admin referral

Getting Support

Success of the intervention depends upon the support from administration and teachers

• Presentation at school staff meeting• Flexibility with meeting times• Open Communication

How to Encourage Interest

Exercise – Choosing Group Members

• Break into small groups• Using the provided handout, select 6 students out

of the 10 described to form a group

Getting Started

Decisions as a group:

• Discussion of confidentiality and limits• Establishing group rules and discussing

consequences for breaking group rules

Content vs. Process

“the what”

“the how”

Content vs. Process

• Examples of process:– Atmosphere– Participation– Decision-Making– Influence– Membership– Non-verbal Communication

Stages of Group Development

• Forming• Storming• Norming• Performing• Adjourning

Tasks of the Facilitator

Forming DIRECTING Structuring the group and setting the tone Clarifying goals and expectations Building group connections

Storming MANAGING Resolving points of conflict Normalizing tension and discomfort Being a non-anxious catalyst for confrontation

Norming CONSULTING Defining one’s position and ideas Sharing leadership role Incorporating diversity and creativity

Performing SUPPORTING Celebrating group performance Letting go to support group process Preparing for closure & evaluation issues

Adapted from VanKatwyk, Helping Style Inventory (module I,iv) and Laikin (1991).

Encouraging Student Participation

• Start Small– Ice breakers

• Provide Snacks– Think Maslow’s hierarchy

of needs• Be Creative! • Last Check-in

Group Dynamics

• What should you do?• Address the issue immediately or later?• Address the issue in front of the group or

individually?

Group Leadership Techniques

Demonstrate genuine interest and understanding with the following skills:

1. Active Listening2. Open Ended Questions3. Affirmations4. Reflecting

Thank You!

Questions?Comments?

Leanne Paisley – leanne.paisley@theroyal.caKasie Coulombe – kasie.coulombe@theroyal.ca