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GROUP COUNSELING: TECHNIQUES FOR TEACHING SOCIAL SKILLS TO STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS.

DERK STEPHENS, M . S .

University of Idaho, Moscow, ID

SACHIN JAIN, P H . D . , N C C , L P C

University of Idaho, Coeur D Alene, ID KiOH KIM, P H D Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, LA This paper examines literature that supports the use of group counseling techniques in the school setting to teach social skills to children and adolescents with special needs. From the review of this literature it was found that group counseling is a very effective way of addressing a variety of social skills problems that can be displayed by very differing populations within the school setting. The implications of this research for the school counselor are included, as well as some cautions to consider before applying group counseling to students in the schools.

Children with special needs experience difficulty in a wide variety of areas, all of which can infiuence their ability to leam and to use social skills. Some of these deficits can include; hyperactivity, distractibility, impulsivity, anxiety, emotional lability, low self-esteem, aggressive behaviors, difficulty recognizing the emotions of others, and other socially unacceptable behaviors. Emotional difficulties and interpersonal difficulties affect others perceptions of them, as well as the child's own self-perception. Often, the difficulties they have, and the expectations of themselves and others, act as a spiral and increase the likelihood that a child will experience social failures. Amerikaner and Summerlin (2001) drew attention to this "spiral of continuing social/academic failure" (p. 340), and offered group counseling as one method of effectively addressing this issue. Authors will explore how group counseling can be

effective in teaching social skills to children, in a school setting. They will also discuss the implications the research has for counselors working in the schools, as well as some cautions...