ABSTRACT
Central to understanding the unspoken and subtle needs of group members is the group leader’s ability to tune in to the particular group’s dynamics. Chapter 7 defines and describes these dynamics that are found in all groups but differ for each group and, most importantly, for each group session. Group leaders will find that their understanding of these dynamics will enable them to intervene effectively and to guide the group and its members.
Additional understandings can be available through the knowledge of group development stages where there are some expected group members’ behaviors and attitudes, such as the search for safety and inclusion usually found during the initial stage of group development. The final presentation for the chapter focuses on helpful group factors such as universality. Descriptions of these are provided as well as the rationale for why these are helpful to the group and to its members.
