Simulated group counseling: An experiential training model for group work

Abstract

An experiential group training model designed for prepracticum-level counseling graduate students is described. Simulated Group Counseling (SGC) offers students an opportunity to experience being group members, facilitating a group, and processing the group with peers and an advanced graduate student observer as well as the instructor during the course of an academic term. SGC reduces dual-relationship ethical issues because students role-play group members during the SGC. Procedures such as group formation, roles of observers and instructor; and group processing are discussed as are the strengths and limitations of the model.