Importance Of Rules In Group Counselling

Safety in group counselling is top priority. According to merriam-webster.com, Safety is freedom from harm or danger. In group sessions, keeping members safe should be a main concern of the leader. It is said that members will not participate if they do not feel safe, feeling safe in the context of group counselling is to be protected and sheltered from unfavourable occurrences in the group. I agree, it is my opinion that the dynamics of the group is at risk if members do not feel safe as this will hinder them from sharing, they will be fearful, hence they will remain reserved and the purpose of the group will not be fulfilled. Members need to feel a level of comfort with the leader and members before they interact and with other members and

Rules in group sessions help to keep members safe, the dynamic of the group is less likely to be interrupted when members feel they can share and participate freely. Members are more likely to follow rules and will feel a sense of responsibility to do so if they played a part in forming them. As a leader I would have members share in establishing rules. Rules can help to produce a consistent group experience. In the event that rules are being established there are some considerations that are essential to the process: What should the rules be? Who makes the rules? When should the rules be discussed? How should the rules be discussed? (Jacobs, Masson, Harvill, Schimmel, 2012) Rules in groups can protect members feelings, keep them safe from attacks from other group members, stimulate sharing and participation, help to build relationships, keep members on track and give members freedom to express who they are. Basic rules that ensure safety and comfort in groups relate to attendance, mutual respect among members, smoking and eating during sessions, attacking other members and confidentiality. As it relates to who makes the rules, as a leader I would be the most suitable to

Feelings of comfort and safety are products of trust, in a group where members are meeting for the first time they will be hesitant to share and participate because they are uncomfortable and that is expected especially for support, growth, counselling or therapy groups. The purpose of the group cannot be fulfilled if there is no evidence of trust among members. In an article entitled, ‘Building a culture of trust’ written by Amy Zimmerman, it was stated that “When we don’t feel safe, our primal instincts kick in (think “fight” or “flight”). The limbic system is activated when there is a perceived threat, whether physical, psychological, or emotional” (Zimmerman, 2016). This is true even in group sessions, when members do not know what to expect from the group or members they put up defences and strengthen their guards. Trust yields a sense of safety within a group, when members are safe they become comfortable with each other thus opening up and baring the part of themselves that they would not have done when there was no trust. In an effort to build trust and comfort within the group, I must be innovative and absolutely careful as I am a means of connection between the members. As a Leader, I must be prepared and show interest in members and the group so as to build the foundation of trust. ‘Leaders who show that they are