Certified Rehabilitation Counselor Practice

Which is NOT a characteristic of the initial stage in group counseling?

1. Identifying personal goals

2. Developing unspoken norms

3. Consistently addressing conflict

4. Learning how the group functions

The correct answer is: Consistently addressing conflict

In the initial stage of group counseling, the primary focus is on establishing safety and trust among the group members. During this stage, participants often work on identifying personal goals, understanding how the group functions, and developing unspoken norms that guide group interactions. Consistently addressing conflict is generally not a characteristic of this stage; conflicts are more likely to emerge as group cohesiveness develops, which occurs in later stages of group dynamics. In the initial stage, members are still getting to know each other and may avoid confronting tensions to maintain a sense of harmony or safety. Focusing instead on building connections and establishing group norms lays the groundwork for deeper exploration and conflict resolution in subsequent stages of group counseling.