ABSTRACT
Group counseling has relevance and meaning only if it is understood and applied in the psychological context of human growth and development. A psychological framework is needed to guide the process, evaluate its impact, and provide a rationale for its use. However, while such a framework is a necessity, Jourard (1968) pointed out that to simply imitate someone else’s theory or rationale is not sufficient. Each helping person must develop his or her own theoretical viewpoint to be truly effective in helping others. The development of a personal approach is necessary for a counselor to make the best use of the resources available in providing therapeutic help to other people. Major resources include the counselor’s personality, knowledge, and training. These resources combined with each helping experience enable the counselor’s theoretical approach to come to fruition.
