ASWB Bachelor Practice Exam 2025 - Free ASWB Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the early stages of group communication, members often communicate through the social worker and may not engage directly with one another. This behavior reflects a dynamic where individuals are still establishing their roles and comfort levels within the group. New members tend to seek guidance from the facilitator or social worker, relying on them to direct the conversation and validate their feelings. This communication style helps to build trust and safety within the group setting, allowing members to gradually open up and interact more directly with each other as they become more comfortable with the group dynamics and with each other.

The focus often remains on the social worker’s leadership, often preventing direct interaction among group members until they feel ready to move beyond that initial stage. As the sessions progress, members typically begin to participate more actively with each other, but at the outset, the social worker serves as a crucial point of reference.