Leading a Support Group - Softcover

Nichols, K.; Jenkinson, J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0412343401 ISBN 13: 9780412343407

Publisher: Nelson Thornes Ltd, 1990

Synopsis

This book is intended as a guide for people in the caring professions, organizers of self-help movements or those in some kind of personnel work to help them set up and run a basic support group. It refers specifically to support groups, as distinct from therapy groups and personal learning or personal growth groups. The first part of the book aims to explain why support is useful to people in stress or distress and why this support is often best delivered with a group approach. It includes several extended examples of support groups in different settings. The main aim of the book is to teach the basic principles and practicalities of leading a support group and the book is written in a conversational style. The following sections deal with the preparation of the leader, the preparation of group members and working out a "contract" by which the group will run. The authors then give guidance on the practical aspects of setting up a group and bring the reader to the point of having conducted their first meeting. The central chapters give guidelines for leadership during the ensuing life of the group and how the final meeting of a group can be conducted. The final chapter sets out a broad framework for evaluation of the group.

About this title

About the Author

Keith Nichols trained in clinical psychology at Leeds University and then became a lecturer at the University of Exeter in 1968, eventually retiring as Senior Lecturer in 2001. From 1970 he also took up a part time appointment as a clinical psychologist in the NHS specialising in applications to physical health and stress related illness where he gained extensive experience of support group work. He is currently Consultant Clinical Health Psychologist at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. This book complements Keith's previous practical guide Psychological Care for Ill and Injured People (Open University Press, 2003). John Jenkinson is a trained Counsellor and has worked as a student counsellor at Plymouth University and the College of St. Mark and St. John, Plymouth. He is currently a consultant counsellor and mentor/moderator for various counsellor training courses as well as a group consultant for Cornwall Alcohol and Drugs Agency.

Edition details

• Publisher: Nelson Thornes Ltd
• Publication date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0412343401
• ISBN 13: 9780412343407
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 184