GROUP THERAPY

GROUP THERAPY

Group therapy or group psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy in which one or more therapists treat a (usually 5 to 10)small group of clients together as a group.

History Of Group Therapy

• Jacob L. Moreno introduced group therapy in counseling in 1920.

• Later used during WW II for treating those with emotional reactions

• In 1946 "T-groups’ emerged, to enhances interpersonal relationship. It was the beginning of modern group work.

• Encounter group- intended for "Normal functioning" who wanted to grow.

• Marathon group- breakdown barriers that individuals use.

• The 1960 human potential movement "Founded on the belief that the most people only use a small percentage of their capability but that within a group experiences, they can recognize their full potential".

Goals of group therapy

• Gain an understanding of personal problems and explore possible solutions.

• Give and receive feedback and support.

• Feel more connected to other students who are struggling with similar issues.

• Practice communication skills in a safe group setting.

• Learn more about how you come across to others.

• Improve your ability to identify your feelings and express them.

• Reduce social isolation.

Types of group

1. Psychoeducational/

   Guidance group

2. Counseling/Interpersonal

   Problem- Solving Groups

3. Psychotherapy Groups

4. Task/work Groups

project goals (Psychoeducational/ Guidance group)

• The purpose is to teach group participant how to deal with a

  potential threat (catching the flu), developmental life events (growing older) or immediate life crisis (death of love one).

• Used in educational setting but frequently used in hospital, mental health center, or social service agencies.

project goals (Counseling/Interpersonal Problem-Solving Groups)

These groups help participants resolve problems of living through interpersonal support and problem solving.

project goals (Psychotherapy Groups)

• These groups focus on personality reconstruction or remediation of deep-seated psychological problems.

project goals (Task/Work Group)d

A group that comes together to perform a task that has a concrete goal (e.g. community organizations, committees, planning groups, task force).

Stages of group development

1. forming

Team acquaints and establishes ground rules. Formalities are preserved and members are treated as strangers.

Stages of group development

2. storming

Members start to communicate their feelings but still view themselves as individuals rather than part of the team. They resist control by group leaders and show hostility.

stages of group development

3. norming

People feel part of the team and realize that they can achieve work if they accept other viewpoints.

stages of group development

4. performing

The team works in an open and trusting atmosphere where flexibility is the key and hierarchy is of little importance.

stages of development

5. adjourning

The team conducts an assessment of the year and implements a plan for transitioning roles and recognizing members contributions.

11 THERAPEUTIC PRINCIPLES OF GROUP THERAPY:

• installation of hope

• universality

• imparting information

• altruism

• corrective recapitulation of the primary family group

• development of socialization techniques

• imitative behavior

• interpersonal learning

• group cohesiveness

• catharsis

• existential factors

Instillation of hope:

The group contains members at different stages of the treatment process. Seeing people who are coping or recovering gives hope to those at the beginning of the process.

Universality:

Sharing an experience with a group helps people see that they are not going through something alone. It also serves to remove a group member’s sense of isolation, validate their experiences, and raise self-esteem.

Imparting information:

Group members can help each other by sharing information.

Altruism:

Group members can share their strengths and help others in the group, which can boost self-esteem and confidence.

Corrective recapitulation of the primary family group:

The therapy group is much like a family in some ways. Within the group, each member can explore how childhood experiences contributed to personality and behaviors. They can also learn to avoid behaviors that are destructive or unhelpful in real life.

Development of socialization techniques:

The group setting is a great place to practice new behaviors. The setting is safe and supportive, allowing group members to experiment without the fear of failure.

Imitative behavior:

Individuals can model the behavior of other members of the group or observe and imitate the behavior of the therapist.

Interpersonal learning:

By interacting with other people and receiving feedback from the group and the therapist, members of the group can gain a greater understanding of themselves.

Group cohesiveness:

Because the group is united in a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and acceptance.

Catharsis:

Sharing feelings and experiences with a group of people can help relieve pain, guilt, or stress.

Existential factors:

While working within a group offers support and guidance, group therapy helps member realize that they are responsible for their own lives, actions, and choices

Purposes of therapist intervention

• To help build an atmosphere of trust and safety.

• To enforce rules and norms.

• To provide feedback.

• To get a members input, reaction or feedback.

• To draw connections between members or point out themes.

• To correct irrational or faulty thinking.

• To empower participants.

• To offer support when needed.

• To reinforce helpful contributions.

• To encourage constructive risk taking

Functions of group therapy

• Sharing experiences

• Support to & from group member

• Socialization

• Imitation

• International learning

Techniques of group therapy

• Cognitive Therapy

• Behavioral Therapy

• Role Play

• Story Writing and Sharing

• Task Oriented Groups

• Therapeutic Activity Groups

ADVANTAGES

• You realize you’re not alone.

• Facilitates giving and receiving support.

• Helps you find your "voice."

• Helps you relate to others (and yourself) in healthier ways.

• Social Skills

• Learn From Others Mistakes

• Diversity of Opinions

• It costs less

APPLICATIONS OF GROUP THERAPY

• Addiction

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Obsessive

• Compulsive Disorder

DISADVANTAGES

• Limited Privacy

• Personality Clashing

• Loss of trust

• It strikes fear into some patients.

• It doesn't guarantee confidentiality.

• Social Anxiety

• Mourning A Loss

APPLICATIONS OF GROUP THERAPY

• Group therapy plays a major role in rehabilitation of mentally ill client.

• It gives an opportunity for immediate feedback.

• It facilitates chance for therapist to observe the clients emotional and behavioral response towards variety of people.

• Enhances clients communication, decision making and assertive skill.