Experience group therapy: A model to work with and inspire at-risk youth.
(Book - Regular Print)

Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 47-04.

Adviser: Jed S. Swift.

Thesis (M.A.)--Prescott College Maste of Arts Program, 2009.

The purpose of this text was to research best practices in supporting therapeutically significant growth with at-risk youth populations. The result of this inquiry is a research project, which provides an overview of materials examined and finally, a curriculum manual for counselors that is applicable to a varied audience including educators and social workers. The focus of the manual is on the essential components of conducting therapeutically effective groups with at-risk youth.

A review of theory and research, which prescribe specific components for a successful group, including counselor self-awareness, serve to substantiate the proposed group model. A review of the STEP UP program and its use of the experiential learning model as a catalyst for growth and healing serves to illustrate these components. The dissection will serve to identify the cross over between education and counseling and specific therapeutic aspects of the STEP UP model, such as tailoring group curriculum to match the audiences' learning preference. Drawing from education and counseling theory, the mode of group facilitation, specifically referencing the experiential learning model, will be discussed as an essential aspect in creating dynamic and effective therapy groups.

The proposed curriculum will move beyond the traditional experiential model by incorporating aspects of counselor self-development as an essential component to its successful delivery with at-risk youth. This text will argue that without grounded aspects of self-awareness, counselors cannot serve effectively in the helping role. Tools to address this deficiency will be offered within the text.