The Evolution of a Children's Domestic Violence Counseling Group: Stages and Processes

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative case study is to illuminate the lived experiences of 4 young children between 6 and 7 years old who witnessed domestic violence while revealing the complex relationship between group process and stage development in their 18-week counseling group. Data revealed that processes occurring between and among group members shaped the evolution of the counseling group through a series of stages that are similar to those seen in adult counseling groups. The data also revealed developmental differences between group processes occurring between these young members and the ways in which group processes unfold in adult counseling groups.

Keywords:

• children
• domestic violence
• group counseling
• group process
• stage development

Additional information

Notes on contributors

E. Heather Thompson

E. Heather Thompson is an assistant professor in the Counselor Education Program at Western Carolina University.