CNL 520 GCU Group Conflicts and How to Resolve Them Discussion
Conflict typically appears when a group is in transition. State several forms of conflict you can expect in the types of groups you will lead. Discuss what problem group members might present in the group setting. How will you attend to these problem group members? What are your own reactions to conflict? How will this influence your ability to help members recognize and work through conflicts?
TEXTBOOKS
Corey, G. (2015). Theory & practice of group counseling (9th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning. ISBN-13: 9781305088016
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Christy Johnson CNL 520
2 posts
Re: Topic 3 DQ 1 (Obj. 3.1)
A group member having to attended without choice may come with a negative attitude and an unwillingness to be open to the group leader or individuals in attendance. An individual may share an experience or struggle they are dealing with, and this may trigger some deep emotions within another group member, causing them to transfer these belief and feelings onto the person that disclosed. Clark (2002) refers to this type of behavior as “displacement” (p. 272). Other conflicts that could present in the group setting are a group member not being willing to actively disclose or participate, someone giving unsolicited advice, and the group leader being challenged in relation to their expertise and personal life (Corey, 2015). Singling one person from the group out or scapegoating may be present for group members to avoid responsibility for their behaviors (Clark, 2002).
When dealing with conflict it is important for the conflict to be acknowledged. Corey (2015) denotes the significance of dealing with conflict “openly and with concern” (p.86) so that trust can be built, and acceptance can be fostered. “An open atmosphere that encourages people to acknowledge and work through whatever hesitations and anxiety they may be experiencing is essential” (Corey, 2015, p. 88). In referencing Reactants theory, Corey (2015) indicates that approaching conflict from the perspective that a client is dealing with “struggle against loss of freedom, therapist might consider a less directive” (p.88) approach, which will help the uncooperative client acquire “a greater sense of self-responsibility” (p. 88). It is helpful for group leaders to ask individuals to modify negative feedback towards their peers making the feedback “more purposeful…so that the individual receiving the message does not persist in rejecting it” (Clark, 1995, as cited by Clark, 2002, p. 274).
My own reactions to conflict are to either ignore or become defensive. As I continue receiving my own personal counseling, and becoming educated in the counseling field, I am recognizing how unproductive and unhealthy this approach to conflict is. Because of personal experience with conflict that is counterproductive, I hope to be able to see my own unhealthy behaviors in my clients and recognize the need to model more grounded and open-minded tactics. I will be able to empathize with where they are coming from but accept healthier ways to work through conflict and share these with group members.
Rachael Herbison CNL 520
2 posts
Re: Topic 3 DQ 1 (Obj. 3.1)
As outlined by Corey (2015), it is the group leader’s job to lay a solid foundation by communicating with the group to make the guidelines clear and to make sure everyone understands expectations and goals; as well as acknowledging the possibilities of conflict and the strategies to resolve them.
Conflicts can be caused by microaggressions committed by/to any member of the group, not excluding the counselor, especially in a culturally diverse group; while some members may push boundaries and instigate due to anger issues, for example (Marmarosh, 2021). When the counselor works with the group to create connection, trust, and communication, it is more likely that the members will be open to cooperate in the healing of the rupture for the furthering of the whole of the group (Marmarosh, 2021). The counselor should not return aggressive and confrontational behavior, instead, address it in a manner that redirects the behavior and supports the safety and trust of the group.
Some ways to consider approaching healing these ruptures in group counseling can be to look at family therapy (DeVaris, 1995) as well as the Core Conflictual Relationship Theme method (Lopez-i-Martin et al., 2019). These methods both work with all members of the group (ie – family conflict in divorce) by listening to and protecting all members (DeVaris, 1995), and in the case of the CCRT method, having the members act out the conflict in a way that leads to reflection and release of tension (Lopez-i-Martin et al., 2019).
This student struggles with conflict, partly because of her upbringing, but also partly because some trauma experienced in her early twenties. Unfortunately, this means that this student usually backs away from conflict, rather than facing it. However, she knows that when conflict arises in group counseling, her reaction can set the tone. This student realizes that the more she acknowledges conflict in her life, and learns how to face it, then she can use what she has learned in a group setting to help others also recognize and address their own conflict.
The 3rd RESPONSE
Jessica Hopper CNL 520
1 posts
Re: Topic 3 DQ 1 (Obj. 3.1)
Conflict usually comes with a negative connotation because the way it is addressed and handled determines the severity of the issue. It can be challenging to put a bunch of different personalities in a room to discuss difficult and vulnerable topics. A few examples of conflict that are often presented in group therapy include challenging the group leader, guardedness, reluctance, transference, and members not sharing equally (Corey, 2016, p. 87).
Many people would rather avoid the examples above than address the issue. This could be out of fear or uneasiness yet in most cases unresolved conflict leads to deeper issues. The therapeutic setting is meant to be a safe space for clients to express their thoughts and hardships. It could be easy as a counselor to avoid conflict within group counseling in hopes that they can keep the environment safe but that can create more damage. Instead, counselors are encouraged to address conflict head on as it gives clients an opportunity to deal with conflict with the help of a mental health professional. This will lead to greater trust and genuineness within the group. I personally think a mediation approach when the counselor is allowing conflict to be addressed with their guidance and insight to keep the situation safe. I used to have a different time addressing conflict, but with professional experience I have found that pushing through the uncomfortable feeling associated with conflict leads to growth.
