CBIS Group Dynamics and Facilitation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A TBI survivor in a support group begins monopolizing conversations, causing others to disengage. What is the most appropriate facilitator response?
- Remove the individual from the group permanently
- Privately acknowledge their contributions and set gentle group participation guidelines (Correct answer)
- Allow the behavior to continue to avoid conflict
- Ask other members to confront the individual directly
Correct answer: Privately acknowledge their contributions and set gentle group participation guidelines
Privately addressing the behavior preserves dignity while establishing equitable participation norms.
Question 2: Which stage of Tuckman's group development model is characterized by conflict, competition, and power struggles among members?
- Forming
- Norming
- Storming (Correct answer)
- Performing
Correct answer: Storming
The storming stage involves interpersonal conflict as members assert themselves and negotiate roles.
Question 3: A TBI survivor with executive function deficits repeatedly interrupts others during group sessions. Which accommodation is most appropriate?
- Exclude them from group activities
- Use a visual timer or talking token system to cue turn-taking (Correct answer)
- Assign them a separate individual session only
- Ignore the interruptions to maintain group flow
Correct answer: Use a visual timer or talking token system to cue turn-taking
Visual cues and structured turn-taking systems support self-regulation for individuals with executive dysfunction.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of establishing group ground rules at the beginning of a TBI support group?
- To give the facilitator authority to discipline members
- To create a safe, predictable environment and shared expectations (Correct answer)
- To prevent members from discussing negative emotions
- To reduce the facilitator's workload
Correct answer: To create a safe, predictable environment and shared expectations
Ground rules establish psychological safety and predictable norms essential for therapeutic group work.
Question 5: During a group session, two members with TBI begin arguing. The facilitator should FIRST:
- End the session immediately
- Calmly acknowledge both perspectives and redirect to group agreements (Correct answer)
- Take sides with the member who appears more cognitively intact
- Allow the argument to resolve without intervention
Correct answer: Calmly acknowledge both perspectives and redirect to group agreements
Acknowledging perspectives while redirecting to established agreements de-escalates conflict without dismissing either member.
Question 6: Which group format is most appropriate for TBI survivors with significant cognitive fatigue?
- 90-minute open-ended discussion groups
- Structured 45-60 minute sessions with clear agendas and breaks (Correct answer)
- Marathon weekend retreats
- Unstructured drop-in sessions with no time limit
Correct answer: Structured 45-60 minute sessions with clear agendas and breaks
Shorter, structured sessions with predictable formats minimize cognitive overload and fatigue in TBI populations.
Question 7: A new member with TBI joins an established support group and becomes visibly overwhelmed. The best facilitator response is to:
- Ignore the reaction and continue the session as planned
- Orient the member to group norms and pair them with a peer mentor (Correct answer)
- Ask the member to leave and return when more stable
- Have the group collectively assess the new member's deficits
Correct answer: Orient the member to group norms and pair them with a peer mentor
Orientation and peer mentoring help integrate new members while reducing overwhelm in established groups.
CBIS Group Dynamics and Facilitation 2
A TBI survivor in a support group begins monopolizing conversations, causing others to disengage.
What is the most appropriate facilitator response?