LPC Group Counseling Theories 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theorist is most associated with the concept of 'basic assumptions' (dependency, fight-flight, pairing) in groups?
- Carl Rogers
- Wilfred Bion (Correct answer)
- Jacob Moreno
- William Glasser
Correct answer: Wilfred Bion
Bion described basic assumption groups as unconscious collective states that interfere with the work group's task.
Question 2: In Reality Therapy groups, members are primarily helped to evaluate:
- Unconscious conflicts from childhood
- Whether their current behaviors are effectively meeting their needs (Correct answer)
- The accuracy of their cognitive distortions
- Their biological predispositions to mental illness
Correct answer: Whether their current behaviors are effectively meeting their needs
Glasser's Reality Therapy focuses on self-evaluation of current behavior relative to need satisfaction.
Question 3: A group counselor notices that members are avoiding conflict and agreeing superficially. This pattern is BEST described as:
- Cohesion
- Groupthink (Correct answer)
- Altruism
- Catharsis
Correct answer: Groupthink
Groupthink is the phenomenon where desire for harmony suppresses critical thinking and genuine disagreement.
Question 4: Which type of group is time-limited, structured, and focused on a specific skill or psychoeducational goal?
- Process group
- T-group (sensitivity training)
- Psychoeducational group (Correct answer)
- Marathon group
Correct answer: Psychoeducational group
Psychoeducational groups deliver structured content to teach skills or information to members with a common need.
Question 5: The 'empty chair' technique in group Gestalt therapy is used to:
- Signal that a new member will be joining
- Allow a member to dialogue with an absent person or disowned part of self (Correct answer)
- Mark the seat of the group leader
- Represent deceased members during grief work
Correct answer: Allow a member to dialogue with an absent person or disowned part of self
The empty chair facilitates dialogue between a member and an imagined presence, promoting awareness and resolution.
Question 6: According to ASGW (Association for Specialists in Group Work) best practices, pre-group screening serves to:
- Rank members by severity of pathology
- Ensure member compatibility and reduce potential harm (Correct answer)
- Select only members with prior group experience
- Limit group size to reduce leader workload
Correct answer: Ensure member compatibility and reduce potential harm
Pre-group screening assesses member fit, goals, and readiness to protect individuals and the group's therapeutic potential.
Question 7: In solution-focused brief group therapy, the 'miracle question' is designed to:
- Identify the root cause of members' problems
- Help members envision life when the problem is solved to clarify goals (Correct answer)
- Challenge irrational beliefs about recovery
- Encourage members to visualize spiritual healing
Correct answer: Help members envision life when the problem is solved to clarify goals
The miracle question shifts focus to preferred futures, helping members articulate concrete, achievable goals.
LPC Group Counseling Theories 4
Which theorist is most associated with the concept of 'basic assumptions' (dependency, fight-flight, pairing) in groups?