What were some of the benefits and challenges Linda faced in working with groups?

Question

As an employee of a private, nonprofit HIV/AIDS clinic in a rural North Carolina community, Linda Summerfield’s job was to provide direct services to people with HIV/AIDS as well as to connect them with resources. Aware of their needs, she also respected their need for confidentiality and anonymity in an area where issues surrounding HIV/AIDS were highly charged and prejudice was common. In 1999, Linda was also eager to help six men in her caseload who were struggling with uncertainty, loneliness, and isolation. Aware of their shared needs, she believed in the healing power of group work for such clients. Although initially reluctant, the six men agreed to “meet” via telephone and, despite their apprehension and some technical difficulties, after five weeks all agreed that the experience was helpful. But when meeting via telephone became unworkable, Linda faced decisions over whether and how or where to persuade the men to continue meeting.

Answer 1

Linda knew from experience that group work could be especially empowering for clients who were marginalized and isolated but required specific knowledge and skills. It would be especially beneficial for such clients to learn from one another. Because Linda had not personally experienced situations similar to those with which the six men struggled, she may not have been aware of solutions that the men found to be effective. A side benefit of the exchange among the men in the telephone group was the empowerment felt when one client was able to help another. Linda had developed specialized knowledge and skills to effectively facilitate the group.