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Guidance and Counseling

Notes members could be there in a group. Big groups become unmanageable. But too small groups
are also not desirable because the group resources will be too limited and the tension too gets
great due to the pressure to participate. Moreover, in too small a group, where one or more
members are absent by chance. The functioning becomes almost impossible.
3. Composition of the group : There is controversy regarding the composition of groups for
counseling. Opinions differ as to whether the group should be homogeneous or heterogeneous
with respect to problems, education, intelligence, age, sex and so on. Hinckeley and Herman
recommend heterogeneous groups made up of members with ‘various’ complaints and
symptoms. Hershenson and Pewer (1987-E.A.N.) advocate grouping clients with similar
concerns and similar purposes for group counseling because, the similarity facilitates a working
bond and a more cohesive group relationship in the session. Gazda (1976) argues that grouping
in a similar age range permits the group to focus on developmental concerns appropriate for
all members. Sometimes, a balance of males and females increases opportunities for women
and men to share views about each others behaviour and attitudes. Although opinions differ,
almost all agrees that extreme differences are undesirable. Similarly it is not desirable to include
extremely hostile and aggressive individual because he makes it very difficult to create the
atmosphere if acceptance and freedom from threat that is essential for group counseling. The
chronic, monopolist is also usually excluded from group counseling until his problem can be
worked through sufficiently through individual counseling. Care should be taken to have a
balanced group. The out going aggressive individuals should be inhibited passive despondent
members.
4. Frequency and duration of meetings : Various recommendations have been made regarding
the frequency of meetings. The population and the sittings in which group counseling occurs
determine the frequency and duration of meetings. Weekly and twice weekly meetings are
recommended most often.
Moreover, they will miss less class periods. In schools groups usually run from 11 to 15 weeks.
It is more convenient and at the same time it ensures a reasonable amount of time for the
group to attain its goals.
5. Physical setting : Physical setting is less important in comparison with emotional atmosphere
and the skill of the counselor. A skillful counselor and the group obviously will function more
effectively on a poor physical setting than an inept one and his group in an ideal setting.
However, privacy and freedom from interruptions are of course important. The room should
be small rather than large. Seating should be flexible and varied. A circular seating arrangement
with each member sitting where he pleases is to be preferred to a formal arrangements and
permanent seat assignments.

In a community agency, college or in private practice two hour weekly sessions are
optional. But in the school settings shorter durations, twice a week may be more
suitable because of the shorter attention span of younger students.

Self Assessment
1. Choose the Correct Option.
(i) .................... is not one of the three dimensions of individual counseling.
(a) Remedial (b) Potential (c) Preventive (d) Development
(ii) .................... is the most frequently used procedure for selection and induction of member
for group counseling.
(a) Personal Interview (b) Case study

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