Group Therapy

Group Interventions

Functions of a Group

• Socialization

• Support

• Task Completion

• Camaraderie

• Informational

• Normative

• Empowerment

• Governance

Open Group

• New members join

• Members leave at any time

• New members are at a disadvantage

• Advantage of this type: the group can continue

Small

• Less than 8 members

• Cohesive

• Fewer subgroups

• Richer interpersonal experience

• 1-2 leaders

• Ideal for complex individual issues

Closed Group

• Members join at one time

• No replacement members

• Group more cohesive

• Group more likely to resolve when members drop out

Large Group

• > 8-10 members

• can be therapeutic

• more cost effective

• open ended, ongoing

• less intense transference and countertransference

Seating Arrangment

• Space and Privacy important

• Absence of physical barriers to improve communication flow

• Members being able to see and hear each other

• Circular arangment enhancing group work

• Those sitting close to the group leader usually have more power in the group

Direct Leadership Style

Direction and Information

Little Discussion

“Tells Members What to Do”

ex: educational

Indirect Leadership Style

• Reflective of group members discussion

• Little guidance or information to the group

• Balance of direction and group freedom

Lassie Faire

Leader has no real involvement besides setting stage

Planning First Meeting

• Leaders setting tone

• Introductions

• Explanations of group structure, purpose, and rules

• Observation of group dynamics

Group Development

Beginning Stage: Initiation or Orientation - also called Honeymoon

Working Stage

Termination Stage

Roles of Group Members

Formal:

• Leader

• Member

Informal:

• Task

• Maintenance

• Individual

Challenging Group Behaviors

Monopolizer

“Yes but..”

Disliked Member

Silent Member

Group Conflict

Types of Groups

1. Psychoeducation group

2. Task Group

3. Decision - making group

4. supportive therapy group

5. psychotherapy group

6. self help group

7. age related group