"Linking the description of mutual aid with practice prescriptions, this guide discusses how to catalyze
mutual aid in specific settings and systems. Case examples are used to bridge the gap between theory and practice."
--Sci-Tech Book News
Publisher Web Site, August, 2004
Summary
Discover a unique resource on the "what," "why," and "how" of mutual aid in group
settings!
While an impressive body of professional literature attests to the central role of mutual aid in social work practice
with groups, what has been lacking is a single source that links the description of mutual aid (what it is, exactly)
with practice prescriptions (how to help it come about and flourish in various settings). This book does just that.
This updated edition of the pathbreaking original contains four entirely new chapters that address:
single-session groups
short-term groups
open-ended groups
very large groups
In addition, this book will help you to better understand and make use of mutual-aid perspectives on:
pre-group planning
early group goals and norms
the significance of time and place, and the role of the group worker
individual problem-solving
authority, conflict, and evaluation
Each chapter of The Mutual-Aid Approach to Working with Groups: Helping People Help One Another, Second Edition
describes and discusses how to catalyze mutual aid in different settings and systems--including generic and specific
obstacles to overcome; offers implications for practice and identifies group-specific skills for reaching each
system's full mutual-aid potential.
This new edition of The Mutual-Aid Approach to Working with Groups provides a foundation for practice, examining
theories, concepts, and practice principles specific to mutual aid. Readers are directed to ample study resources
in key areas via recommended reading lists at the end of each chapter. Case examples are used to help bridge the
gap between theory and practice in an immediately useful manner, and handy tables and figures make important points
easy to access and understand.
Table of Contents
Foreword
Preface
Introduction
Key Concepts of This Chapter
The Purpose of This Book
The Mutual-Aid Approach
The Theoretical Basis for Mutual Aid
The Conditions for Mutual-Aid Practice
Implications for Practice
How This Book Is Organized
Recommended Further Reading
THEME
Chapter 1. The Mutual-Aid Approach in Social Work with Groups
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Mutual Aid Defined and Described
The Mutual-Aid Mind-Set
The Primary Functions of Mutual-Aid Practice
The Notion of Group-Specific Skillful Practice
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 2. The Nine Dynamics of Mutual Aid and Their Implications for Practice
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Sharing Data
The Dialectic Process
Discussing Taboos
All in the Same Boat
Mutual Support
Mutual Demand
Individual Problem Solving
Rehearsal
Strength in Numbers
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 3. Pregroup Planning with Mutual Aid in Mind
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Setting the Stage
The Role of Group Purpose in Mutual Aid
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 4. Early Group Goals and Norms
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Goals to Emphasize in the First Session
Norms to Emphasize in the First Session
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 5. Mutual Aid, "Time and Place," and the Role of the Worker
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Time and Place
The Changing Role of the Worker
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 6. Individual Problem Solving from a Mutual-Aid Viewpoint
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Prologue
Common Problem-Solving Strategies
The Mutual-Aid Approach
What Needs to Happen to Catalyze Mutual Aid
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 7. Mutual Aid and Authority
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Having a Real Say and the Group�s Need for It
Authority and Group Development
Helping the Group Exercise Its Say Along Humanistic As Well As Democratic Lines
Professional Reflection
Group-Specific Skills for Decentralizing Authority and for Helping Maintain a Democratic-Humanistic Climate
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 8. The Role of Conflict in a Mutual-Aid System
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Keys to Using Conflict for Mutual Aid
Group-Specific Skills for Helping a Group Use Conflict
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
VARIATIONS ON A THEME
Chapter 9. Mutual-Aid Practice with Single-Session Groups
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Time and Place Issues of the Single-Session Group
Implications for Practice
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 10. Mutual-Aid Practice with Short-Term Groups
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Time and Place Issues of the Short-Term Group
Implications for Practice
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 11. Mutual-Aid Practice with Open-Ended Groups
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Time and Place Issues of the Open-Ended Group
Implications for Practice
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 12. Mutual-Aid Practice with Very Large Groups
Key Concepts of This Chapter
Time and Place Issues of the Very Large Group
Implications for Practice
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Chapter 13. Conclusion
Key Concepts of This Chapter
All Things Considered
Group-Specific Skills for Helping a Group Evaluate Its Mutual-Aid Development
End Note
Key Points of This Chapter
Recommended Further Reading
Bibliography
Index
Reference Notes Included
