Interactive Process Notes: An Innovative Tool in Counseling Groups

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to begin to explore the use of interactive process notes in a women's counseling group. The use of interactive process notes is a new technique, which consists of weekly written input regarding group member and group counselor feedback. This preliminary study describes the use of interactive process notes results in a 14-week women's counseling group. This qualitative inquiry yielded five group member categories, including: (a) stage formation, (b) monitoring participation, (c) therapeutic factors, (d) psychological insight, and (e) boundaries; and four group counselor categories: (a) directives, (b) affirming, (c) psychoeducation, and (d) monitoring interaction.

Keywords:

• homework
• group process
• member feedback
• journaling

Acknowledgments

Jewell Hall is a doctoral student in the Department of Counseling at Oakland University. Lisa Hawley is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling at Oakland University.