Define the term specific factors and provide two examples of specific factors that contribute to efficacy in group counseling

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The term specific factors, as used here, refer to a counselor's acts that are unique to a particular theory of counseling.

a . Using structure. In an analysis of the research literature, Gazda, Horne, and Ginter (2000) found a definite trend toward the use of structured group strategies, which stands in opposition to the traditional unstructured group approach. Structured groups developed as a result of the influence of behavioral counseling and skills training. Researchers found that the lack of structure actually created the undesired client phenomena of cognitive distortion, interpersonal fear, subjective distress, and premature termination.

b. Providing alternatives and instruction. The power of instruction in group counseling lies in the counselor's ability to be clear with clients about the tasks and goals of counseling. The power of providing alternatives to clients is that it often prevents client reactance (Brehm, 1966). The judicious application of instruction and the judicious provision of alternatives have been identified as causal factors of client behavior change with certain populations.