Counseling Case

In the group counseling setting, feedback from both the group leader and group participants is essential during the pre-group stages. In review of the literature, several theorists discuss various types of feedback and guidelines of how feedback can be used in group counseling settings.

Based on several viewpoints offered in the chapter, feedback can be defined as an open dialog, taking place in a healthy safe environment where group participants are allowed to share thoughts and feelings amongst one another. Feedback is a useful tool during the group process in helping or assisting group participants in identifying core issues, acknowledging similarities in life experiences, developing positive coping skills to those life experiences.

Feedback can also be beneficial to the group leader as a tool used to break down potential resistance from group members, reinforce positive behaviors of individuals in the group as well as group members, and provide positive and encouraging support to group members.

Feedback in the group counseling setting provides each group member an opportunity to learn new skills, explore new ideas, identify and resolve individual and group problems, and allow for group cohesiveness and growth. Feedback can also serve as an element towards change for both the individual group participant and the group as a whole. Feedback involves trust, honesty, and respect. Feedback in the counseling group setting allow for personal growth and development, self-efficacy, and autonomy.