Group Supervision Session Using the Group-as-a-Whole Theory

Group Supervision Session
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Group Supervision Session
The group-as-a-whole theory suggests that we should view groups as more than just an assemblage of different individuals. The interactions that exist within a group play a huge role in shaping the psychological and emotional characteristics of the members (Scheidlinger, 1997). Therefore, when considering the well-being of a group, it is important to put this observation into perspective. This theory would help assist in gaining a grasp of the traumatic event that has happened for the purpose of the group session at hand. To fully understand the traumatic event, the supervisor must be well conversant with the concept of group-as-a-whole theory. In addition, the supervisor can use the provisions of the theory to proceed well after the shooting has happened. Using the group-as-a-whole theory, the following is a description of how the supervisor can optimally proceed.
Basic Assumptions
The first step that the supervisor should take is to guide the group through exploring basic assumptions. Considering that the group members are in shock, it would be essential for the supervisor to proceed with utmost care. For the basic assumption, the supervisor should lead the group to explore the kind of assumptions that they held just before the shooting incident happened. The aim of identifying these assumptions is to get the general feeling that the group had about their well-being prior to the incident. For example, it might help to consider whether the group members felt safe prior to the shooting event. Further, it might help to explore what kind of assumptions members had concerning each other. Exploring the assumptions may help the group members slowly but surely start understanding why they feel shocked about the event that just unfolded. They may also be able to understand why they may feel betrayed by the member who perpetrated the shooting act.
Work Group
The second step would be exploring the concept of a work group. The supervisor should be empathetic with the group and appreciate the kind of feelings that they may have. It is possible that these members may be feeling that the group has come to an end. Others may not feel okay to be part of the group anymore for fear that such an event may repeat itself in the future. Traumatic events greatly affect the psychological well-being of individuals (Brown & Pehrson, 2019). In addition, the group members may harbor negative feelings due to the event. These feelings include sadness and rage. The culmination of these things can greatly disrupt the working and well-being of the group. It is for this very reason that the concept of a work group should come to play. Using this concept, the group can use the disruption as a strength rather than a negative occurrence. Sitting together and deliberating what may have gone wrong could help the group members put in a mechanism to ensure that such an issue does not repeat itself in the future. Through this approach, the group uses what is essentially a negative thing to bring more cohesion and togetherness to the group. Consequently, the group emerges better and more effective. After going throu...