Groups for Children, Research Paper Example

Introduction

This paper examines the concept of child therapy via groups for children.  This considers a summation of Chapter 9 from the book ‘Groups: Process and Practice’. (Corey, M. 2010).  The article considers such items as group interventions,  educational counseling and psychotherapy groups.

Children in Social Groups

From the beginning we learnt that our survival depends upon our ability to help one another and prosper together.  Equally our common values, beliefs and behavioural attitudes make us stronger in a group and thereby reduce external threat.  Even today this bonding continues with social networking on the increase through the internet and social networking software.  Modern society is however creating more child and adolescent problems  where some form of intervention is required – “ the effects of child abuse are persuasive and often multi-faceted” [ Ch 9 p.313] (Corey, 2010).   Cory worked with a number of child groups and found that “ in doing these groups I learned that children have a multitude of developmental issues with which they must cope” [ Ch 9. P.301] (Corey, 2010).

Child group psychotherapy is often the treatment of choice for addressing children with problems of this nature.  This furthers the child’s ability for social interaction and creates more intimacy between the children in a non-threatening environment. (Schechtman, Z. 2002). Group sessions in schools do not always provide the best results  and group psychotherapy has fallen short in that area.  Groups of  a different background are seen to be both more persuasive.  (Bratton, Ray, Rhine, & Jones, 2005).   Case study research in this area is still considered to be in its infancy but the dynamics of childrens needs are very different from adults.

References

Bratton, S. C., Ray, D., Rhine, T., & Jones, L. (2005). The Efficacy of Play Therapy With Children: A Meta-Analytic Review of Treatment Outcomes. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, Vol 36(4),, 376-390.

Corey, M. C. (2010). Groups: Process and Practice 8th ed. Belmont CA: Brooks/Cole Cengage.

Schechtman, Z. (2002). Child group psychotherapy in the school at the threshold of a new millenium. Journal of Counselling & Development, Vol 80(3), 293-297.