The here-and-now approach in group counseling represents a common therapeutic means to enact groups and promote change. This premise replicated itself in research, which presumed, “A major task of the group therapist is to encourage the group members to focus on the here-and-now relationship (Kivlighan & Tarrant, 2001, p. 230)”. Yalom strongly asserts a symbiotic two-tier model inherent in the effective use of the here-and-now in group therapy. The first tier represents the experiential element, “the members live in the here-and-now; they develop strong feelings toward the other group members, the therapist, and the group (Yalom, 2005, p. 141)”. This concept readily played out in the video clip as Yalom initiated by asking the members to share …show more content…
214)”. Indeed this offers further opportunity to exist in the here and now with clients in the group, however, the motivation for such opaqueness warrants consideration. By using greater transparency Yalom asserts, “…you gain considerable role flexibility and maneuverability and may…directly attend to group maintenance, to shaping of the group norms…(2005, p. 218)”. In addition to activating the here-and-now, Yalom hypothesizes that therapist openness decentralizes the therapist position furthering the development of group autonomy and cohesion. (2005, p. 218) He even considers collaborative evidence from individual therapy suggesting that therapist transparency offers a supportive and normalizing experience for the client. (Yalom, 2005) Janine Roberts offers significant insight into the complexities of transparency in family therapy. The parallel between group work and family work deems relevant. Roberts’s research contemplates, “Within a family or couple, one person might experience the disclosure as helpful, and another as a boundary violation (2005, p .52)”. So for some clients or group members it may feel normalizing, while for others it may be experienced as a dismissal of their concerns. Every therapist evidences his or her own unique style, the same emphasizes for therapist transparency. The reason for disclosure exerts significance prior to transparency. “Therapists may self-disclose to facilitate transference resolution; or to model therapeutic norms; or to assist the interpersonal learning of the members who wanted to work on their relationship with the group leader; or to support ad accept members by saying in effect, “I value and respect you and demonstrate this by giving of myself (Yalom, 2005, p. 221)”. This concern cannot be stated
The expectation in the practitioner/client relationship is that any information disclosed will not be shared with others. Confidentiality is emphasized to provide the client with a safe haven in which to share traumatic events or embarrassing personal information about themselves (Krase, 2013). Disclosing this type of sensitive information...
Group counseling is a viable new option emerging in the school setting. It can be effective and cost-effective for the schooling system by addressing a larger number of students and can be used to address a multitude of topics that children often face. One benefit of group counseling in the school setting is that it teaches children important socializing skills with their peers, as students often learn best from each other (Pérusse, 2009). It provides support, assists with emotional and problem-solving skills, and empowers children to be help each other as well as receive help from their peers (Thompson, 2012). The group setting may be perceived as less threatening, it helps bridge the gap in trust for children by providing a safe environment in which children can connect with others, and it allows for interactions that builds on social skills and the development of empathy for others (Thompson, 2012).
One objective is to utilize the most powerful tool at psychotherapy’s disposal; the group experience. By one individual sharing their experience within the group, the other members are able to identify their similar experiences and work toward their own growth. Group therapy also increases self-awareness of clients in order for them to think introspectively in order to make a change in behaviors, increases social comfort, allowing exploration of new behaviors, provide and obtain support, develop communication skills, and promote interactions with others using truth and
They argue that therapists should consider their own motivation to self-disclose and set boundaries. The therapists should never put their own needs above the client. They make sure to point out that self discourse alone cannot affect the outcome of treatment. Self-disclosure is effective only if it is used appropriately and only if it is used when it is necessary. The amount of information disclosed and when it is disclosed is also important. Therapists should draw a clear line with the amount of intimacy to include in their therapeutic disclosure to ensure that no inappropriate boundaries are crossed. The authors suggest two rules of thumb to follow when disclosing information which include: (a) “Why do I want to say what I am about to say” and (b) “What will be the likely impact of the client” (p. 567).
As stated by Collins (2007), the privacy and openness to discuss intimate issues can stimulate vulnerability with the client. Another ethical issue with this theory can be a growing dependence with the counselor. An additional ethical issue with this therapy is for the client to know his or her vulnerability regarding emotional or sexual needs when it comes to counseling a client (Corey, 2007). An additional ethical issue for the Individual Psychology therapy is that there may be some confusion as times to what is to happen in the counseling
In the Microskills video (Ivey, Ivey, & Banez, 2002), the facilitator kept bringing the members’ attention to here-and-now. It appeared that reflecting on the members’ present experiences as they talked about their past episodes was helpful. The members were able to share their experiences from their body rather than heavily intellectualizing them. According to Yalom (1995), focusing on here-and-now is one of fundamental tasks of group process. He further asserted that activation of here-and-now is not enough. The group must also be able to reflect or illuminate the process in here-and-now (Yalom, 1995). The facilitator in Ivey, et al. (2002) was able to do both in some extent.
There are many ways to communicate and incorporate therapeutic aspects into dealing with any patient, but this also applies to group therapy as well. Yalom’s therapeutic
Group therapy is considered one of the most resourceful forms of therapy. The benefits to group therapy can be both cost-effective and a great means of support (Corey, Corey & Corey, 2014). The process of experiencing ideas and viewpoints expressed by your peers allows group members to become more susceptible to the counseling procedure. Group counseling also helps individuals to feel a sense of belonging due to similar situations and experiences shared by the group. The sense of support from group members can be an excellent means towards developing long-lasting relationships and developing communication skills needed to move forward during the counseling phase. In this paper, I will discuss my experiences throughout the group-counseling phase.
To explain, the client should not be inferior to the counselor; the environment should be two people discussing an issue and ways to make a difference. A therapist should occasionally share similar experiences; therefore, sessions should make clients feel comfortable. To add, the client should feel safe due to the positive atmosphere the therapist brings to the session. The goal is to finally give the client a chance to be heard, regularly people are muted and feel like they are insignificant to society. Similarly, to Person-centered therapy where communication with the client is unconditionally positive. The therapist needs to genuinely care about the client needs for them to fully express themselves successfully. Furthermore, clients should be encouraging to make their own choices which model how to identify and use power responsibly. Hence, this will help the client feel more confident in everyday life when making a meaningful
Gadding, S. T. (2012). Groups: A counseling specialty (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education
Existential therapy through the eyes of Dr. Yalom is very fascinating. There is never a fixed life that each person is supposed to live. In his therapy the clients are allowed to find out for themselves what it is they need by receiving adequate questioning from Dr. Yalom. His questioning guides them down the existential path to freedom and responsibility.
...confidential information is shared without their permission, this situation can be detrimental to the client. The client may stop treatment or be passive-aggressive towards the therapist by being late of cancelling appointments with the clinician.
There are many different techniques and approaches to group counseling. The approach that I found to be the most interesting is the existential approach. “The existential perspective holds that we define ourselves by our choices” (Corey & Corey, 2014, p.114). This approach can be successful in therapy because it allows one to oversee one’s future. In this paper, I’m going to generally discuss the existential approach to therapy and where it can be used.
Psychotherapy is the treatment of individuals with emotional problems, behavioral problems, or mental illness primarily through verbal communication. At one time the term psychotherapy referred to a form of psychiatric treatment used with severely disturbed individuals. Counseling, on the other hand, refers to the treatment of people with milder psychological problems or to advice given on vocational and educational matters. Counseling psychologists usually work in schools or industrial firms, advising and assisting people. Today the distinction between psychotherapy and counseling is quite blurred, and many mental health professionals use the terms interchangeably.
For this to occur however, requires an understanding of culture and society, as well as governance and process. In addition, I have also understood the power of strength based approach, how strength based therapy used in relationships an essential factor among group members. I view this class as the opportunity to practice how effectively work with groups and individuals to understand their own inherent power. Therefore, I learned the way of using a strengths-based approach; I can highlight the assets of group members, offering building blocks which can then lay the foundation of their social change. Furthermore, I understand change could be a mutual process, so in group therapy until group members became comfortable with each other to share their experiences giving them space and later help them to engage in along with group process. I also learn how to help in the facilitation of change, by asking open questions, validating, empathic and allowing them to feel what they are feeling, and empower them what they wants to do with their current