ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of key concepts covered in subsequent chapters of this book. The book views group work both as an enormously useful tool in treating pathology and as a means of reaching people struggling with the normal life issues of growing up, getting along with others, sharing, working, dealing with partners, adjusting to economic and health changes, and growing older and facing death. The chapter provides a group environment that enables growth factors to exist and flourish. The growth factors can be reduced to a few major concepts related to mutual aid and support, cohesiveness, catharsis, and mastery. Group theory often refers to models for conducting groups: the reciprocal or contractual model, the remedial or rehabilitative model, and the psychosocial model. The chapter finally reviews some of the specific skills, such as communication skills, affective skills, cohesion-building skills, contractual skills and problem-solving skills.
