OT852 Class 1: Group Theory and Process

A group

A gathering of two or more people based upon a common goal. There must be a connection between the members

Therapeutic group

A formalized process facilitated by a trained professional, where there is a goal, and there is expected change in knowlede, skills, or personal beliefs

Naturally promote social interaction

Offer services to multiple people simultaneously (cost-effectiveness)

Therapeutic effectiveness

What are some benefits to group therapy? (3)

Therapeutic Factors of Groups

The following are _________________:

Universality

Catharsis

Imitative behaviour

Instillation of hope

Imparting information

Social learning

Interpersonal learning

Group cohesiveness

Altruism

Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group

Existental factors

Project era

What era of groups in OT was the 1920s and 30s?

Socialization era

What era of groups in OT was 1937-1953?

Group process era (group dynamics)

What era of groups in OT was 1954-1961?

Psychodynamic era

What era of groups in OT was 1962-1969?

Adaptation era

What era of groups in OT was the 1970s-90s?

Wellness era

What era of groups in OT was 1990-present?

Provide an occupation-based experience

Natural environment for social support, teaching, and learning

Groups can be empowered with shared leadership

Provides opporunities for group members to excel

Can be cost effective

What are the advantages of OT groups? (5)

Belonging, self-esteem, emotions, and skills

What are the four areas of transformative change?

Emotional activation

Caring

Meaning attribution

Executive function

Client perceptions of important leadership functions are: (4)

Group Norms

Shared expectancy of what is appropriate

Should be made explicit, particularly in groups that are long term and/or deal with personal issues