My first reaction to the group process was immediate. After the announcement of the group’s start, approximately fifteen people filled the room. It was quite a reach from the four to five patients I encounter in our inpatient group settings. After the group rules were read and the goal of the group was stated, discussion began immediately, started by a member who played an active role in the group and by my observation was the monopolizer. This person talked for quite sometime about his issues and symptoms, and when addressing the rest of the group, one person in particular would chime in-this person was who I identified as the internal leader. This person allowed others to talk and often tried to lead the conversation in a different direction …show more content…
The facilitator informed me that most of the people active in the group had been attending the program for quite some time and knew each other personally. It was interesting for me to witness the dynamic of this therapeutic group in comparison to the groups I have witnessed in our inpatient unit. The members seemed genuinely concerned with one-another’s issues, offering up advice and personal examples for reference. Another aspect I noticed when observing was the facilitator’s focus not only on what the member was feeling about their symptoms (i.e. frustrated with the voices or depressed), but asked them what they are actively doing to change these symptoms or manage them. This reminded me of the video presented in week 5 called “Reality Therapy In Groups”, where Robert E Wubbolding explained just that-focus not only on the feeling of the person, but also what they are doing (Wubbolding, …show more content…
I have researched this topic on my own a few times and have found quite a bit of research related to the topic. Cognitive behavior focused group therapy specifically focuses on symptom management, Lorentzen (2014) clarified, “(Cognitive Behavior) groups favour(sic) symptom reduction and behviour(sic) change”. Longterm, studies have proved the effectiveness of CBT in group therapy with adults with severe mental illness as described by the International journal of group psychotherapy’s research findings- “ Significant improvements at 12 months were found for social support and insight. Negative symptoms remained low, whereas positive symptoms went back to pre-therapy levels.” (Lecomte, 2012). What I also found very interesting was that the bulk of group therapists facilitating these groups (CBTp, psychodynamic, etc.) are nurses who are trained in psych nursing but not in the specifics of the therapy that they are facilitating and providing (Lorentzen & Ruud, 2014). Another study discussed how CBT in a group therapy setting in reference to non-psychotic symptoms and depression is “less threatening”, allowing the clients to discuss their negative feelings and moods actually attributes to better overall wellbeing in psychiatric patients (Menon et al., 2015). After extensive research it was found that CBT for psychosis and those with severe mental illness proves to
As a student, practice is crucial to learn group therapy techniques. In order to achieve these practices, I attended 2 support groups of the same topic. Observation and attendance constructs an idea of how group therapy works. Attending this group was important because of the profoundness of its meaning and experiences I have witnessed.
Group therapy is a setting among other antisocial personalities. This style allows the patient a different type of incentive to improve some of their disorders.
By attending these sessions, I hoped to gain a better understating of support groups and enhance my ability to effectively lead groups. Beyond doubt, both of my objectives were met and so much more. From the onset, I learned that it is important for a group leader to encourage and support the group members. Many of the members who attended the Anchor Club wanted to be loved, understood and not judged. Most importantly, they were striving to maintain their sobriety. As a group leader encouragement and support would help members deal with anxiety and share their feeling openly (Jacobs, Schimmel, Masson, & Harvill, 2016, p.
Looking for new and more effective ways to treat the issues of their clients, counselors and therapists may often begin to consider leading a group therapy session. Group therapy is a form of therapy in which a therapist either treats or provides psychoeducational skills to a small, carefully planned target group of individuals in an effort to ameliorate the issues and dysfunctions of each individual in that particular group of patients together (Scheidlinger, 2004). In this group, therapists often utilize some of the psychotherapy theories such as Gestalt, transactional analysis, psychotherapy or psychodrama which they often use to treat clients individually.
While the group therapy sessions are supposed to bring the patients problems out in the open
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
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
In conclusion, I have once again learned new information pertaining to issues and ethics in therapy, but more specifically group work, which prior to reading this chapter I really didn’t know too much about. I really found the idea of co-leadership interesting and all of the various issues when it comes to confidentiality. I had also never thought about the effect of termination without discussion within a group and how this could hurt other group members. I moreover liked the idea of the screening process and ideas to prepare for participants of group.
After analyzing my fears regarding group leadership, I have become aware of the many different techniques that are used in helping future counselors develop the skills they need to become a competent group leaders. Although task, psycho-educational, counseling, and psychotherapy groups require a different individual leadership style, there is one thing that they all require of a leader, the competence to administer and conduct the group in a manner that will be beneficial for all its members.
Individual counseling, the client is working on personal issues without having to share with others, but only with the counselor that is there to reinforce patterns of behavior, or to help make any other personal adjustments. They are the focus of the session, without having to share the spot light with others. Many people are not comfortable talking in a group, especially issues that are hurting and need personal attention. Although not much differences have been shown to differentiate the effects of group counseling to individual counseling, a study done by Kalavainen et al., using a population of obese children showed that group therapy did benefit to help and support the child’s weight. “There were many therapeutic factors like group support, group learning and group optimism, which were linked with working in the groups and which most probably influenced the participants in the group program” (Kalavainen, Korppi, & Nuutinen (2007). Group support can be of advantage in many issues that people are trying to work out in
Five characteristics of the initial stage of groups are: acquaintance, risks, building trust, learning about group functioning, and group members finding their place. During the initial stage of groups development group members are getting to know one another. During acquaintance, I would be open with their comments. According to Corey, Corey and Corey (2010), “typically, members bring to the group certain expectations, concerns, and anxieties, and it is vital that they be allowed to express them openly” (p. 107). I have listen to the fears that group members have and encourage them to express them. The group leader needs to learn to deal with the patients fears, thus “the ability of a therapist to instill confidence and trust within the therapeutic frame is essential to therapeutic success” (Ackerman, & Hilsenroth, 2003). I would invite the members to talk about how they are feeling with the group. Inviting discussion is an important role of the group leader, since there would be “moments of silence and awkwardness” (Corey, et. al., 2010, p. 133). Clients also learn
In reflection on my learning experience in the group class, I have gained clarity on what sorts of competencies of facilitating group therapy, as well as in what areas social workers and students tend to feel most strong in my practice. Regarding my specific gains in competencies, I feel that I learned the most and was most likely to gain specific group facilitating competencies at the weekly class. Learning in group class is taught me the tools to use to work with groups therapy, communities and also with individuals through the process of changes. In this past three months I think a lot of opportunities have been created to shadowing with (beside and behind) and being a part of group members to learn. In addition, this class has taught me about the skills and how effectively help
In order to gain some purpose while working in a group, I know it can be challenging task to do because every group member is required to agree and cooperate. I am privileged to become a part of a group and completed our task successfully. Our group consists of 5 members and we experienced the stages of group development along with which different roles being considered. Our group formed with the common interest of competing and representing ourselves as competent and knowledgeable. The storming phase involved a trial being held to determine the capabilities of each other and positions were found to be disputed due to which we voted on leader of team. In the norming stage, roles of every group member have been stated and identified with the
Working in groups is challenging at times. Other times it is very rewarding. We are so focused on life that we do not take time to reflect on things as much as we should. Being in a Groups class has opened my eyes to a whole new world. I have begun to question, explore, and even understand how things work. I even get how they work sometimes. Not only is there a process involved in making individual decisions, process is involved in group decisions as well. This paper attempts give insight into my reflection of my group decision process.
Concepts In the first chapter, the therapeutic factors that stood out to me the most was instillation of hope. There is research that says most therapies operate through hope and conviction. Group therapists do all that they can to increase the patient’s belief and confidence in group therapy that works effectively. Also, it is important that therapists believe in themselves. The most important is that members learn from others who have similar problems how therapy can work for them in their life.