Group Work: A Counseling Specialty (4th Edition) [Hardcover]

Samuel T. Gladding (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 11, 2002 | ISBN-10: 0130613053 | ISBN-13: 978-0130613059 | Edition: 4

The fourth edition of this highly readable book examines all of the essential skills required to be an effective leader of a variety of groups in a variety of settings. It explores the history of group therapy work, and the development of groups—how they grow, how they change, and how various groups differ. It addresses the specifics of working with children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly. And, it discusses ten prominent theoretical perspectives from which groups can be approached, covering how each theory evolved, how it is practiced, and the results it most commonly achieves. Includes coverage of working with gay/lesbian/bisexual clients in groups and includes expanded coverage of the multicultural aspects of group work and understanding the influence of culture, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and other factors on how groups function and what they can accomplish. For professionals in the field of group counseling.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

A comprehensive introduction to group counseling, designed for students without previous exposure to the study of group dynamics. The text begins with excellent coverage of the history and theoretical basis of group counseling. Ten theoretical models of group work are examined; as are specifics of group counseling procedures, from forming a group to termination. Coverage includes an excellent chapter on ethical and legal aspects of group work; as well as a thorough examination of the unique characteristics of special populations who can benefit from group work. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

A comprehensive book that discusses the evolution, practice, and outcomes of 11 prominent theoretical approaches to group work and examines the essentials required to be an effective worker and leader with groups in various settings and life stages. It begins with an introduction to the history, dynamics, diversity, leadership, ethics, and development that are part of the lives of groups. It then presents an extensive discussion of the issues and procedures for working with groups throughout the lifecycle. For group counselors and therapist, or anyone working with or within a group. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall; 4 edition (April 11, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0130613053
• ISBN-13: 978-0130613059
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #347,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I am a native of Decatur, Georgia. My parents were Virginians. My wife, Claire, is a Connecticut Nutmegger. Two of my three children were born in Birmingham, Alabama, the other in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. My previous academic appointments were at Fairfield University and UAB but since 1990 I have been a professor in the Department of Counseling at Wake Forest University.
I have been president of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of State Counseling Boards, and Chi Sigma Iota (international counseling honorary). I have written about counselor identity, family therapy, groups, counseling theories, ethics, and the creative arts in counseling. I am a licensed professional counselor and continue to practice as a clinician. I have taught counseling courses throughout the United States and in Canada, Estonia, Austria, and Malaysia. In the spring of 2010 I was a Fulbright Specialist to Turkey. Counseling has also taken me as a keynoter or presenter to South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and Germany. I was a mental health responder after 9/11 in New York (Pier 94)and after the Virginia Tech shootings. In the mid-1990s I worked in the homes of Mother Teresa.
When not writing books I enjoy reading history and humor, swimming, walking, and "hanging out" with my family. I am somewhat of an existentialist although I use a variety of approaches in my work as a counselor.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book and almost the exact same as the 5th edition., May 8, 2010

By 

Buddy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Group Work: A Counseling Specialty (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

I needed this book for a group counseling class and bought this one because the new edition is 80 and this one was about 10 or so. They are almost the exact same. There is a minor update and the pages are different. Other than that this book is the same. Save some money and buy this one.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars rockin, May 8, 2009

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Sage Sill "sage" (ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Group Work: A Counseling Specialty (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

just what i need for class is the same as the edition 4 but much cheaper the only diffrecence was a little rearanging in the new edition if you need groups for a class this works great!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Textbook review, March 19, 2006

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T. Clark (Knoxville, TN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Group Work: A Counseling Specialty (4th Edition) (Hardcover)

This book is required for a class I'm taking to finish my Master's degree. Unfortunately, my school's bookstore didnt have the book and wouldn't have it before class was scheduled to begin for the semester. I ordered this book from Amazon and had it within 2 days -- before the class started.

It's well written, and easy to read and considering that it's mandatory for the class, that's always nice.