Group work on the edge. Embracing the messiness of group facilitation with marginalised peoples

Abstract

This poster explores concepts of discomfort and messiness in terms of what they mean for participants, facilitators and auspicing agencies of group work. Where 'tidy' theory does not prepare social workers for the 'messiness' of group work practice, this poster proposes a model for working with group processes that captures both linear and organic understandings. Further, the poster explores opportunities for maximising the benefits of group work in the context of unpredictable group processes as well as participants’ and facilitators’ potentially chaotic lives.