Goals
Types of Group Goals
n Goals can be session specific or germane to the entire group
process over time.
n Goals can be group or individual. Usually the group sets goals and
Goals
Types of Group Goals
n Goals will be specific to the type of group (e.g. psychoeducational,
task, counseling, psychotherapeutic as well as grief and loss, remedial etc.)
n Goals can be short-term, long-term or time limited.
Goals
Examples of Theory Based Goals
Psychoanalytic
n The main goal is to gain insight and adaptation.
n The goal is also to obtain deep and lasting changes in internal
object constellations.
n It is important to free the individual from transference-bound
repetition.
Goals
Examples of Theory Based Goals
Person-Centered
n The goal is to provide an atmosphere of trust and respect so that
group members can feel free to express themselves.
n The goal is to help group members become congruent and
Goals
Examples of Theory Based Goals
Cognitive-Behavioral
n Goals are formed both individually upon intake and as a group
within the sessions.
n The goals are operationally defined (made concrete and
measurable).
Goals
Examples of Group Modality Based Goals
Self-Help Groups
n The goal is to help group members resume adaptive functioning
and coping.
n These goals will be issue specific such as:
; Alcoholics Anonymous: The goal is to help the alcoholic
retain sobriety by countering the assertiveness of alcoholism by teaching surrender.
; Recovery Inc: Goal is to promote willpower and a positive
self-image in people suffering from mental disorders.
; Synnanon: Goal is to keep the addict drug free by
Goals
Examples of Goals for Diverse Groups
n Group goals take diversity issues into consideration.
n Goals need to be consistent with the values and beliefs of the
cultural group of the members.
n Group leaders can consult with cultural leaders to make sure group
Goals
Group Goals in the Schools
Goals might be age specific:
Example: Middle School or Junior High
n Goals are to help students work in cooperative learning groups. n Goals are to help students learn skills (e.g. problem solving,
communication, and build self-esteem.)
n Goals can include helping the student test self-perceptions against
reality.
Goals
Group Goals in the Schools
Goals might be issue specific:
Example: Group Guidance Relating to Race and Ethnicity
n Goals might include:
n Helping students accept and appreciate differences in
others.
Goals
The Group Counselor’s Role in Goal Setting
n The counseling goals are a collaboration between counselor and
group members.
n The counselor aids and guides members in choosing goals that are
both appropriate and obtainable.
n Sometimes smaller sub-goals are needed to reach a larger goal.
n If goals are set that are unobtainable it promotes failure. It is the
