An original, creative, and important contribution to the social group work literature. Its greatest strength is in its careful and comprehensive development and conceptualization of a specialized practice methodology, which provides access to social skill building group experiences for individuals with considerable impairment in social functioning. Through this specialized methodology, those populations most in need of the benefits of group participation will be able to profit from positive group experiences. -- Marcia B. Cohen, University of New England, School of Social Work, author of Gender and Groupwork Norma C. Lang has taken her own practice experience along with the knowledge and experiences of many others over time and assembled a package that can speak to group work practice with socially unskilled persons of all types. A huge contribution, Lang's work offers a comprehensive, systematic, and multifaceted yet specific resource for adapting practice to all such populations. The methodlogy can then be enhanced with literature specific to a particular, socially unskilled population. -- Dominique Moyse Steinberg, Hunter College School of Social Work and member of the Executive Committee of the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups

Small social groups are fundamental for achieving personal growth, social development, socialization, and the skills of sustaining relevance, relationships, and connections to society. Unfortunately, those who would benefit most from small groups often find themselves unable to achieve membership. Lacking the necessary skills for entry, these individuals may never enjoy the advantages of group membership. Advancing a practice methodology that specifically targets the socially unskilled, Norma C. Lang provides much-needed guidance to practitioners helping individuals become part of group life. Grounded in extensive practice, Lang's methodology addresses the special needs and anomalous functioning of individuals who lack the skills to form and use groups. She outlines the unique pregroup processes of socially unskilled populations and provides a methodology for advancing social competence. She also identifies the professional and agency requirements for working with presocial processes. Widely applicable to practice with social work groups, Lang's method greatly expands the literature on social work theory and practice with individuals and groups.