Description/Paper Instructions
When a client is dealing with several problems at one time, it can be difficult to determine which type of treatment group would be most beneficial. Some types of treatment groups may overlap in addressing certain problems or issues. The literature is helpful in assisting the clinical social worker in determining the type, purpose, and goals of the treatment group.
For this Assignment, review the “Petrakis Family” case history and video session.
In a 3- to 4-page paper, describe a treatment group that would help Helen Petrakis in one of the following areas: (a) caregiving, (b) sandwich generation, (c) serving as a family member of an individual with addiction.
- Review and briefly summarize the literature about the social issue that is the focus of your group (caregiving, sandwich generation, or addictions).
- Write a plan that includes the following elements:
- Type of treatment group
- Purpose of the group
- Membership
- Method to recruit
- Composition
- Size
- Open/closed
- Monitoring
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chapter 6, “Planning the Group”
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (Eds.). (2013). Sessions case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
“The Petrakis Family” (pp. 20–22)
Proudlock, S., & Wellman, N. (2011). Solution-focused groups: The results look promising. Counselling Psychology Review, 26(3), 45–55.
http://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/SOCW/MSWP/CH/mm/homepage/episodes.html
Toseland, R. W., & Rivas, R. F. (2017). An introduction to group work practice (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Chapter 6, “Planning the Group”
Plummer, S.-B., Makris, S., & Brocksen, S. (Eds.). (2013). Sessions case histories. Baltimore, MD: Laureate International Universities Publishing.
“The Petrakis Family” (pp. 20–22)
Proudlock, S., & Wellman, N. (2011). Solution-focused groups: The results look promising. Counselling Psychology Review, 26(3), 45–55.
required Readings
Helen Petrakis
52-year-old heterosexual female of Greek descent
Lives in a four bedroom house with her husband John, age 60, and three adult children, son Alec, age 27, and daughters, Dmitra, age 23, and Athina, age 18
Works full time in the billing department of a hospital
Serves as the caregiver for her husband’s mother, Magda Petrakis, a widow, age 81, who lives in an apartment about 30 minutes from Helen’s home
Began visiting a social worker because she is feeling “blue” and feeling overwhelmed by her family responsibilities
John Petrakis
60-year-old male married to Helen, age 52, both of Greek descent
Lives in a four bedroom house with his wife, Helen, and three adult children, son Alec, age 27, and daughters, Dmitra, age 23, and Athina, age 18
Works full time managing a grocery store
Does not expect his children to contribute to the finances or upkeep of the home
His wife Helen is the caregiver for his elderly mother, age 81, who lives about 30 minutes away and who has some physical limitations and early dementia symptoms
Magda Petrakis
81-year-old widow and mother of John, age 60
Lives in an apartment 30 minutes from her son and daughter-in-law’s home
Daughter-in-law Helen, age 52, takes the responsibility for her care and visits Magda several times a week
Recently, Helen has allowed her son, Alec, to move in with Magda, and Alec has begun stealing from his grandmother to support a drug habit
Alec Petrakis
27-year-old male of Greek descent
Currently unemployed
Lives with his parents, John, age 60, and Helen, 52, and sisters, Dmitra, age 23, and Athina, age 18
Recently moved in with his elderly grandmother promising to help take care of her, but instead, has begun stealing from her to support a drug habit
Dmitra Petrakis
23-year-old female of Greek descent
Works as a sales consultant for a local department store
Lives with her parents, John, age 60, and Helen, 52, and with a brother, Alex, age 27, and a sister, Athina, age 18
Has a grandmother, Magda Petrakis, age 81, who lives about 30 minutes from the family home
Athina Petrakis
18-year-old female of Greek descent
Works part time as a hostess at a family friend’s restaurant
Is an honors student at a local college
Lives with her parents, John, age 60, and Helen, 52, and with a brother, Alex, age 27, and a sister, Dmitra, age 23
Has a grandmother, Magda Petrakis, age 81, who lives about 30 minutes from the family home