Group Therapy

Group therapy

A method of therapeutic intervention based on the exploration and analysis of both internal (emotional) and external (environmental) conflicts and the group process; it is an identifiable system consisting of at least three people who share a common goal

Decreased isolation and dependence
Opportunities for helping others
Interpersonal learning and development of coping skills
Decreased transference to the therapist while developing the ability to listen to other group members

Advantages of group therapy

Members of groups may feel more vulnerable, frightened, and at risk than clients participating in individual therapy
Transference process may be less obvious and overlooked

Potential disadvantages of group therapy

Instillation of hope, universality, imparting of information, altruism, corrective recapitulation of the primary group, development of socializing techniques, imitative behavior, interpersonal learning, group cohesiveness, catharsis, existential factors

11 essential elements of group therapy

Instillation of hope

Often most important factor of group therapy
Clients are encouraged to believe that they can find help and support in the group and that it is realistic to expect that problems will eventually be resolved

Universality

Sense of realizing that one is not completely alone in any situation; experiencing understanding and support from others with similar thoughts and feelings

Imparting of information

Refers to the communication of specific educational information plus the sharing of advice and guidance among members

Altruism

When group members of group therapy benefit through the act of giving to others; gives them the feeling of a positive self-image and promotes self-growth

Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group

Allows members in the group therapy to correct some of the perceptions and feelings associated with unsatisfactory experiences they have had with their family

Development of socializing techniques

Group therapy members are given the opportunity to learn and test new social skills

Imitative behavior

Process in which group therapy members observe and model their behaviors after one another

Interpersonal learning

Gaining of insight, development of an understanding of an transference relationship, experience of correcting emotional thoughts and behaviors, importance of learning about oneself in relation to others

Group cohesiveness

Development of a strong sense of group membership and alliance; refers to the degree to which a group functions as a supportive problem-solving unit

Catharsis

Involves members of group therapy relating to one another through the verbal expression of positive and negative feelings

Existential factors

Intangible issues that encourage each group member to accept the motivating idea that he or she is ultimately responsible for his or her own life choices and actions

Open groups

Groups do not have established boundaries; members may join and leave the group at different times

Closed groups

Groups have a set membership, a specific time frame, or both of these components

Support groups

Groups that focus on increasing the members' adaptation, self-esteem, and sense of emotional well-being

Reeducation and remotivation groups

Groups that attempt to increase communication and interaction among members to foster more acceptable and appropriate behaviors; often very beneficial for psychiatric clients who are withdrawn or socially isolated

Problem-solving therapy groups

Groups that focus on the resolution of specific problems that clients have identified

Insight without reconstruction groups

Groups that emphasize interpersonal communication by group leaders while working on effecting change by increasing the members' cognitive and emotional understanding of their problems

Personality reconstruction groups

Groups that use psychoanalytic theory and encourage the members to explore former relationships and problems and their impact on the present

Orientation phase
Working phase
Termination phase

Three major phases of therapy groups

Beginning or orientation phase of group therapy

Often phase of much stress and anxiety for group members; person is concerned with how she or he will fit into the group; involves frequent testing, minimal disclosure, and periods of awkwardness and uncomfortable silence may occur; achieve a sense of group identification and definition of purpose

Create a supportive and accepting environment
Promote unification
Encourage verbalization of feelings

Tasks of the leader during the orientation phase of group therapy

Middle or working phase of group therapy

Group begins to become more cohesive and explore relationships and conflicts; members develop a sense of reliance on each other, to assume a heightened sense of responsibility for the group direction, and to maintain trust and openness in group relationships

Encourage members to explore their conflicts and goals
Identify repetitive behaviors
Continually clarify the group goals and tasks

Tasks of the leader during the middle or working phase of group therapy

Ending or termination phase of group therapy

Group members reflect on the insights and growth that they have made in the group; share feedback with one another as they experience ambivalence about leaving the group

Autocratic group leader

Group leadership style that generally does not encourage active participation or interaction among members; leaders maintain authority and control over group members

Democratic group leader

Group leadership style that encourages active participation, value the input and feedback of group members, and promote cohesiveness among the group members as they develop problem-solving and decision-making skills

Laissez-faire group leader

Group leadership style that allows much freedom in the group setting; if group members are not highly motivated, task oriented, or knowledgeable, group tasks or goals may not be met