Great Groups

Book excerpt: "Hutchinson′s Great Groups is a great text! Any student considering leading groups should first read this book. The author′s warmth, empathy, and group leadership experience comes across in very engaging and practical ways. This book puts the reader right beside the author as he discusses leading groups." —John Q. Hodges, University of North Alabama Great Groups is a practical and inspirational guide that serves as a foundational text to creating and leading groups. Designed primarily for the beginning group worker from any of the helping professions, the book also acts as a valuable resource for those with more group experience. Grounded in theory, but with a strong focus on practice and skill development, David R. Hutchinson strives to connect directly with the reader with his personal and engaging writing style and "learn by doing" approach. Following a hypothetical group from start to finish, with a plethora of examples and reflection exercises in each chapter, the book has a threefold purpose: to provide the reader with specific tools for creating, understanding, and leading effective groups; to help the reader consider the application of theory to practice; and to spur the reader to seriously consider making group work a cornerstone of his or her professional practice.