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Short-term groups with children: The yellow brick road to healthy development

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Journal of Child and Adolescent Group Therapy

Abstract

This article will examine the diagnostic and treatment contributions of short-term groups with children and adolescents. The content will be based on a twelve week model, meeting weekly for one and a half hours. The creation of such groups will be explored, focusing on the importance of careful preparation in order to insure a successful group experience for both the children and the leader. A theory of development for short-term groups with children will be proposed. This theory is derived from the existing literature on long and short-term adult group development, as well as the developmental theory on long-term children's groups. A chart will focus on group dynamics, observable behaviors and the leader's role in the four stages of short-term group development.The Wizard of Oz is used to illustrate the theory supporting these stages of short-term group development.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Human Relations Service, Wellesley, Massachusetts

    Janice Perlman Tuckman LICSW (Director of Group Program)

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  1. Janice Perlman Tuckman LICSW
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Tuckman, J.P. Short-term groups with children: The yellow brick road to healthy development. J Child Adolesc Group Ther 5, 3–17 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02550062

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