At this stage of the course, you should have a better understanding of how group therapy works, why it works, and what makes for an effective therapy group. To be an effective group therapy leader, you need to understand the complexities of group therapy and have the vision to see how you want your group to progress. As the therapy group’s leader, it is important to be present in your group, but also to be one step ahead.
For this Assignment, review this week’s media titled “Understanding Group Psychotherapy – Outpatients (parts 1 and 2).” WHICH I HAVE UPLOADED FOR YOU TO READ IN TRANSCRIPT FORM;
Return to Week 1 and review your initial assumptions about group therapy.
*****MY INITIAL ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT GROUP THERAPY FROM WEEK1
Two assumptions that I have about group therapy are: that everyone is not on the same level as far as their understanding of group dynamics, symptoms one might have, or previous therapy. The other assumption is that everyone is not going to be honest all the time. My personal experiences that have helped me through these two situations are as follows: Different levels of progress can be beneficially for all clients. The newer clients can learn from the group process by observing how others have dealt with their previous issues/situations. This is similar to the process described by Rosenthal (2005), which he refers to the group dynamics is the most beneficial when dealing with resistance or possible defenses from certain group members. For the individuals who have been in therapy before, the new-comers to the room usually share experiences that remind them of where they have been. I use this as a learning experience by reminding them of how far they have come. In regards to honesty, with time, and gentle redirecting; working on shame based guilt, the individual gradually develops honesty through redirecting the shame externally, instead of having the client internalize the event/situation/issue. I have found that both of these tactics have helped the clients feel comfortable in sharing and not alone in their struggle, which has been beneficial for everyone in the group. How I might evaluate whether my assumptions are accurate could be achieved two ways. First by taking a group poll; directly asking the clients. The other could be by handing out a survey after they have completed therapy. According to Stockton (2010), it is important to conduct research and careful document all relevant data so as to help future programs.
References:
Rosenthal, L. (2005). Resistance in group therapy: The interrelationship of individual and
group resistance. Modern Psychoanalysis, 30(2), 7–25.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases
Stockton, R. (2010). The art and science of group counseling. Journal for Specialists in
Group Work, 35(4), 324–330.
Retrieved from the Walden Library databases
The Assignment (4 pages)
Based upon the film,
1.) Create a descriptive narrative explaining how the video confirms or disconfirms your assumptions about group therapy
2.) Explain any changes you might make to your assumptions (MODIFY) about group therapy based on the video
3.) Explain any insights you had or conclusions you drew based on your review of the video