This image is a good example of what not to do as a group leader during any stage.  Judging or labeling does not help develop or maintain trust.

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·       the differences between   ethnic and cultural groups

·       students with learning challenges and those labeled “gifted and talented”

·       socioeconomic levels

·       disparities within the special education population, 

·       a particular ethnicity
Diverse individuals may have hesitations towards participation due to their cultural norms and values as well. Therefore, as a group leader you can minimize reluctance on the part of the members by inviting discussion on reasons behind their hesitance to participate and how they can best benefit from the group experience (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2016).

-Understanding Nonverbal            Behavior: Watch for subtle nonverbal cues.

-Empathy: See the world through members eyes.
-Genuineness: Be yourself, be authentic.
-Self-Disclosure: Find out what the group wants and expects regarding disclosure while at the same time being careful not to disclose too much.
-Respect: Expressing warmth and support.
-Caring Confrontation: Invite group members to examine their actions vs. words.
-Using trust building activities  such as the one below where group members help lead one another to a specific place while blindfolded.

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The image below shows a group counselor making the mistake of ineffectively handling avoidant behavior.

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-This reference is relevant to our group’s project because it emphasizes on the stages necessary in order to implement an effective small group in addition to the various factors to consider in each stage of development. Furthermore, the article discusses important topics such as group structure, composition, cohesion, trust, group goal setting, conflict, confrontation, problem behaviors and leadership responsibilities.

3). American Group Psychotherapy Association. (2007). Practice guidelines for group psychotherapy. Retrieved from
https://www.agpa.org/docs/default-source/practice-resources/download-full-guidelines-(pdf-format)-group-works!-evidence-on-the-effectiveness-of-group-therapy.pdf?sfvrsn=ce6385a9_2

-This scholarly document was developed by a blue ribbon Science to Service Task Force and provides the necessary guidelines for quality group psychotherapy. This resource is applicable to our group's topic due to the article's discussion of group counseling and appropriate group facilitation and procedures.

4). Crespi, T. (2009). Group counseling in the schools: legal, ethical, and treatment issues in school practice. Psychology in the Schools, 46(3), 273-280.

-This article outlines the stages of group development while emphasizing on the structural and legal issues involved in the various components throughout a group’s progression. This reference is relevant to our group’s project because it provides thorough information on the necessary legal and ethical considerations when conducting small group counseling and provides valuable information regarding potential challenges.

5). English, M. (2017). Group Dynamics. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=89163744&site=eds-live&scope=site

-This article discusses group dynamics and evaluates each stage of group counseling.

6). Keene, B. M. (2017). Tuckman’s stages of group development. Salem Press Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ers&AN=125600328&site=eds-live&scope=site

-In this article English examines each of Tuckman's stages of group development.

7). Payne, D. (2015, August). Why Group therapy Worked. Opinionator,. Retrieved from https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/08/11/why-group-therapy-worked/

-  This blog offer a personal experience from the author, David Payne on why group therapy is important to the client and society. David describes the group therapy experiences as being on a adventure with his therapist and group members. David credits the success of group therapy to the group members. "Having nine mirrors/opinions reflect back my problematic behavior brought into brilliant and incontrovertible light what I had been able to avoid" (Payne, 2015)

8). Riva, M. T., Wachtel, M., & Lasky, G. B. (2004). Effective Leadership in Group Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research and Practice. In J. L. DeLucia-Waack, D. A. Gerrity, C. R. Kalodner, & M. T. Riva (Eds.), Handbook of group counseling and psychotherapy (pp. 37-48). Thousand Oaks, CA, : Sage Publications Ltd.

-This article discusses small group facilitation and the significance of effective leadership in small group counseling. The article emphasizes on the various characteristics and behaviors of an effective group leader and how they impact the group counseling process and outcomes. 

This image captures behaviors of group members during the working stage of group counseling. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AZ11gMSz2w_7LwtUAen9CvFZduD53JZjJJucXCnsiQWpCmGW1h0SFCg/

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Effective group leadership is important in order to provide its members with the most benefits from the group experience. Leadership styles in small group counseling differs from my previous leadership roles as it requires more support in the members’ willingness to take risks and assist them in carrying this into their daily living (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2018). In addition, small group facilitation often requires co-leadership in order to provide a well-rounded experience for its members. A small group leader must also become more observant of their group members’ behaviors and encourage self-exploration while promoting the group’s cohesion. 

In addition, Terrell and Terrell (1984), emphasize that diversity may also lead to premature termination from counseling due to ethnic mismatch; however, a culturally competent and sensitive group counselor proves to be more important than ethnic group membership (Sink, Edwards, & Eppler 2012).