While leading a treatment group, you may be faced with a dominant member who takes up much of the session time while others fall silent, or someone who is resistant or combative. There may be interpersonal conflict, or a complete lack of engagement. These challenging scenarios require effective leadership skills to balance negativity, empower group members, and build a respectful community. What skills do you currently possess, and how do you see yourself applying them in group work practice?
For this Assignment, you assume the role of a social worker leading a group session in an interactive media piece. You draw on your skills to navigate the scenario and take appropriate action; then, you reflect on your choices and the strengths and opportunities for your leadership skills.
- Navigate through the Group Therapy media piece in which you act as the social worker leading a group session.
- Reflect on the choices you selected based on the on-screen guidance and what you would have done differently if you were truly facilitating the group.
- Consider your leadership skills in general. Where might you need to improve to be a successful group leader?
Submit a 2- to 3- page paper in which you:
- Explain the reasoning behind your choices at each step of the video scenario. What leadership skills did you employ and why?
- Explain what you would have done differently from the options presented to you and why. Include specific language you would have used (e.g., I would have said “X” to “Y” person in order to… ).
- Describe how you view your leadership skills at this time. What leadership skills (identified in the Toseland and Rivas text) could you work on to improve?
Use the Learning Resources to support your Assignment. Make sure to provide APA citations and a reference list.
- Group Therapy
Time Estimate: 5-7 minutes
Note: The video below is interactive. NOTE I was unable to get the transcript of the video but I was able to pulled this online. Below in yellow . Its basically the beginning of the group therapy session. The class is SOCW 6121 WKS 4 ASSIGNMENT. If you are unable to access the transcript know please let me know.
In the group therapy video, there were five court-mandated participants attending anger management due to various incidents involving aggression. Walden University (2022) presents each individual in sequence, beginning with Trey and ending with Laura. Trey entered the group after starting a fight in a pub, Ali struggled with anger particularly while driving, Rod assaulted his child’s soccer coach, Laura had a conflict with her neighbor, and Marcus physically attacked his mother.
Throughout the session, the group facilitator demonstrated several key leadership skills that guided my reasoning at each step of the scenario.
First, I noticed the use of active listening and attending behaviors. The facilitator maintained eye contact, acknowledged each speaker, and responded appropriately. I would have made the same choice because active listening helps build trust and encourages participants to feel heard, which is essential in a mandated group where resistance is common.
Second, when Trey and Ali began dominating the conversation and interrupting others, the facilitator used group management and redirection skills. Instead of shutting them down harshly, the leader redirected the conversation and invited quieter members to speak. I agree with this approach because it promotes equity and inclusion, ensuring that all group members have an opportunity to participate. If I were leading, I would also have stepped in respectfully and said something like, “Let’s make sure everyone gets a chance to share.”
Third, during the rule-setting portion, Trey and Ali attempted to control the discussion. The facilitator demonstrated assertiveness and boundary-setting, which are critical leadership skills in group counseling. Establishing clear expectations early helps maintain structure and prevents disruptive behavior from escalating. I would have reinforced group norms by clearly outlining rules such as respect, no interruptions, and equal participation.
Additionally, the facilitator showed empathy and emotional regulation. Even when participants displayed hostility or resistance, the leader remained calm and nonjudgmental. This is important because it models appropriate behavior for individuals who struggle with anger. I would have used this same approach to de-escalate tension and create a safe environment.
Finally, the facilitator used encouragement and support-building techniques, especially when prompting quieter members to engage. This reflects strength-based leadership, which focuses on empowering individuals rather than criticizing them. Encouraging participation helps build group cohesion and trust over time.
Overall, the leadership skills I would employ—and that were demonstrated in the video—include active listening, assertiveness, boundary-setting, emotional regulation, empathy, and inclusive facilitation. These skills are essential because they create a structured, respectful, and supportive environment where all participants feel safe to share and work toward behavioral change.