Dynamics of Co-Leadership Development in an Experiential Training Group

ABSTRACT

Group co-leadership requires facilitators to effectively work together to produce positive group outcomes; however, there is a paucity of information about how the co-leadership relationship develops. In this modified consensual qualitative research study, we explore the development of the group co-leadership relationship in doctoral-level trainees. Five doctoral student co-leaders facilitating experiential learning groups completed reflection journals on their leadership experiences. Findings revealed five relational dynamic themes experienced amongst co-leaders in leading an experiential training group. The primary implications from these findings can assist counselor educators in the training of group leaders.

KEYWORDS:

• Co-leadership
• relational dynamics
• consensual qualitative research
• counselor education
• experiential groups

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jordan Shannon

Jordan Shannon, PhD is an assistant professor of counselor education at Seattle Pacific University. He is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA) in the state of Washington. He researches the effects of mental health stigma affects the help-seeking behaviors of college students, particularly African American men. He published peer review studies on group work in counselor education, multicultural training for counselors, and help-seeking behaviors of diverse clients. He has delivered over 20 presentations at the state, regional, and national levels.

Derek X. Seward

Derek Xavier Seward, PhD is an associate professor in the Counseling and Human Services Department at Syracuse University. Dr. Seward's scholarly interests focus on the multicultural and social justice issues including the cultural development of mental health professionals, with a specific interest in professionals of color. He is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New York State, National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).

Melissa Luke

Melissa Luke, PhD, is a Dean’s professor in the department of Counseling and Human Services at Syracuse University. Dr. Luke is a fellow in both the American Counseling Association and the Association for Specialists in Group Work. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC), an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS), and both a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and certified School Counselor in the State of New York. Dr. Luke’s scholarship focuses on counselor preparation and practice to more effectively respond to the needs of underserved persons. She has published extensively in the areas of group work, counselor supervision, and school counseling.