Running Head: GROUP OBSERVATION 1

Group Observation
Rhea Everett
10/05/16
 Group Observation

Contact was made with Andrea Doster on September 6, 2016, with interest in observing

the Alzheimers support group being held that night. The purpose of the group is to provide

information and support to care givers of loved ones with Alzheimers. During this particular

meeting the group watched the movie Alive inside, which showed how music therapy helps

those suffering from Alzheimers disease. The group was led by Andrea Doster, Elizabeth

Flattery and Julie Thorson, all employees of Friendship Have. No expectations were shared

regarding the students observation of the group.

This group is a specialty group, according to Zastrow (2015) a specialty group addresses

a certain topic or problem. Also stating that the topics discussed will vary depending on the

needs of the clients in the group. In the observed group the main topic discussed was

Alzheimers. While the sub topic discussed was music therapy use with Alzheimers patients.
This group did/does not follow the stages of a group according to Zastrow. The stages are

intake, selection of members, assessment and planning, group development and intervention and,

Evaluation and termination. The Alzheimers support group does not have an intake process. The

group was created to address the concerns of care givers of those with Alzheimers disease. They

also do not have a formal selection of members. Anyone is able to be attend the meetings,

although it is encouraged that a loved one has Alzheimers disease. No group cohesion was

observed during this meeting. This was the first meeting for the new leaders.
During this meeting Andrea Doster, Liz Flattery and Julie Thorson worked in many

leader roles for the group. The first role being an educator, according to Zastrow (2015) an

educator gives information to clients and teaches them adaptive skills. During the meeting the

leaders educated on music therapy and how it affects Alzheimers patients. They are also group

facilitators as they lead group discussion.

The leadership approaches used by Andrea Doster, Liz Flattery and Julie Thorson was

position and servant approach. Zastrow states that the position approach defines leadership in
 Group Observation

terms of the authority of a particular position. Julie Thorson is the CEO of Friendship Haven

where the meeting is help. Liz Flattery is the leader/coordinator of the wellness program, with

Andrea being her assistant. A servant leader is one who looks to the needs of the group (Zastrow,

2015). This was demonstrated by the leaders as they were constantly asking the group if they

have any questions and what they think.

The norms of the group appear to be casual as the dress was informal. Most of the

participants wore casual clothes and sat where they felt comfortable. There was also a shared air

time, as members were open to share and ask questions as they felt necessary.
Two-way communication was used during this meeting, as one of the leaders would say

something then a member would respond. One member self-disclosed about some issues she was

experiencing with her mother who has Alzheimers. There was not much non communication

used as a film was viewed. The leaders sat in the back of the room and observed the members as

they viewed the film. They were watching to see if any members were uninterested in the film or

had a question.
This group provided an excellent opportunity to observe some of the problems that those

caring for a loved one with Alzheimers go through. In working with geriatrics clients there is the

possibility of working with a client who has Alzheimers or their loved one. With the opportunity

to observe a professional demeanor, with interaction with clients.

Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior, competency 1 was improved upon by

practicing written communication, by completing this analysis. Self-regulation to manage

personal values were improved due to hearing what others values are toward Alzheimers.

Competency 2, engage diversity and difference in practice, apply understanding of the

importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences was improved through this

group observation. This was done by listening to the diverse thoughts and issues expressed by

members and from the video shared at the meeting.

 Group Observation

Resources
Zastrow, Charles. Social Work With Groups. Print.
Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). (2015). Educational policy and accreditation

standards. Alexandria, VA: CSWE. Retrieved from http://www.cswe.org/File.aspx?

id=81660