LEADERSHIP OF MENTAL-HEALTH CONSULTATION GROUPS - A MODEL FOR GROUP THERAPISTS

Group therapists often lead consultation groups. For effective leaders hip it is important to distinguish between consultation groups and psy chotherapy groups. A consultation group is one in which a leader serve s as consultant to the members. Group process variables of task, contr act, role of the leader, and effect of the larger system should be und erstood by the consultant. The process of defining, testing, and maint aining these variables encourages exploration of resistance and parall el process, and is an important aspect of the ongoing learning. Consul tation group leaders should understand the importance of serving as gr oup leader but not group therapist.