ABSTRACT
This chapter presents human behavior and the social environment theories for social work practice with groups. Mutual aid in social work groups and Yalom's existential group therapy processes are contrasted, illustrating the sociohistorical context of theory construction. The chapter also explores transtheoretical content. There are a myriad of theoretical and methodological approaches to social work practice with groups. Groups may vary by problem addressed, membership, length, setting, structure, composition, and goals. Populations served encompass the full spectrum of clients seen by social workers. Social work with groups is conducted in many agencies and can meet human needs that are not always met through individual help, such as the need to belong. The chapter specifically contrasts two approaches for social workers to use in group practice: social group work and Irvin Yalom's existential group therapy.
