Im a drug conselor.Im wonderin when I do group counseling should I sit with patients or stand in front???

Answer 1

Group counseling and therapies usually work best in circles.

However, if you have a lot of information to convey, it's best to stand in front and use a chalk/marker board. Circles obviously wouldn't work well for that.

Answer 2

It depends on what you want to accomplish-if it's bonding and acceptance by the group,sit with them, but at the risk of losing a modicum of respect and authority; If it's control and credibility you seek, then stand in front, but be prepared to not be considered one of the group, but rather an authority figure apart from and above them.

Answer 3

If you're what is called a "peer counselor", i.e., you've been through your own dope program and have a lot to share, then with your group--perhaps apart from them [like set your chair in a gap in a circle of chairs] so they'll know you're there to help as one of them, only straight and sober now...and are there to start things up [sharing your own story, perhaps] and make it easier for them to talk too. If your room is set up with tables, then sit up where you'll be facing most of them--but not alone at your own table. At most AA or NA meetings, the secretary of the meeting leads it off from a central position [circle or tables], but shares the location with everyone else as one of them.

My personal feeling is that even if you're not a recovering doper or alky, you would build the group more solidly by not distancing yourself from them...you can lead discussions and get things started right in amongst them, and it's less of an intimidation for people. Most of us fought authority for years before winding up in group or treatment---that old "us vs. them" emotional content needs to be broken down. Introduce yourself standing up, so they'll know who you are and why you're there [and who to bring the court cards to at the end of the session] but then join them at the same level for the actual session itself.

Answer 4

It all depends upon just what kind of counseling you are doing. Let's face it, a person standing represents authority; a person sitting is saying, "I'm with you guys" and "I'm listening".

Answer 5

I think that if you sit, it will make them feel like you are apart of the group. Standing will make it seem like you are separating your self from the group.

Answer 6

If you sat with them it would feel less intimidating. I know when people sit in front of me I feel quite scared and overpowered by them. Would probaly be more comfrotable sitting with them.