ABSTRACT
Most group work benefits from having two workers because there are two distinct types of facilitative role: that of task leader co-ordinates the specific group activity and that of emotional leader develops and maintains the way in which participants work together by cultivating communication, co-operation, trust and group relationships (Douglas 1976:70-1). These roles are not necessarily mutually exclusive, and can be combined in one worker, but there are lots of advantages in having co-leaders. Two different perspectives can assist planning, problem solving and evaluation. Within the session both workers can fulfil independent functions at the same time; both can support the other’s interaction with the group; both can take over if the other is in difficulty; and one can deal with individuals on a one-to-one basis whilst the other carries on with the rest of the group.
