Group Therapy: Stages and Process
Group therapy has become a popular method for treating a wide range of addictions, disorders, and grief processes. As Corey and Corey (1997) state: "Groups provide a natural laboratory that demonstrates to people that they are not alone and that there is hope for creating a different life" (p. 5) Other benefits of group therapy include information-sharing, a sense of belonging, catharsis, emotional support, progress through confrontation, and development of altruism and social skills (University of Illinois at Urbana Psychology Dept, 2010) There are many variations of group therapy, including multi-family, Adlerian, support, self-help, and counseling or psychotherapy (University of Illinois at Urbana Psychology Dept, 2010). Most therapeutic group programs involve 3 major stages: initial, transition, and working (Corey & Corey, 1997), or the 5 stage version: forming, storming, norming, performing, and terminating (University of Illinois at Urbana Psychology Dept, 2010).
In the initial stage of the…...
mlaReferences
Bandy, S. (2010). Behavioral Activation Techniques for Depression in a variety of settings: Groups, Peer-to-Peer and Non-Clinical Settings. Powerpoint presentation. Chestnut Health Systems, IL, USA.
Brodsky, G. (1999). The Hidden Method. Retrieved 02-19, 2011, from multiplefamilygrouptherapy.com: http://www.multiplefamilygrouptherapy.com/The%20Hidden%20Method.htm
Corey, S., & Corey, G. (1997). Groups: Process and Practice. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole.
Sonstegard, M., & al, e. (2004). Adlerian Group Counseling and Therapy: Step-By-Step. New York: Brunner-Routledge.
Group Therapy
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Group therapy and intervention
Define Group Therapy
Group therapy can take many different forms. Simply stated, group therapy is therapy given to more than one individual, usually more than two. It can be family-directed, as in the case of family therapy, or it can consist of a group of strangers. In the case of some groups, such as self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, there may be no therapist-facilitator. In other instances, there may be a counselor to provide guidance and structure to the therapeutic experience. In supportive group therapy, the process often unites individuals with a common, shared experience, such as the experience of bereavement. In the case of family therapy, it may center upon family conflicts and how families relate to one another.
Define and explain the purpose of different types of groups, (ex. Self-help groups…etc.).
In the case of family therapy, the family is treated 'whole' system, rather than just…...
mlaReferences
Family counseling. (2012). Good Therapy. Retrieved:
http://www.goodtherapy.org/family-therapy.html
Forming, storming, norming, and performing. (2012). Mind Tools. Retrieved:
Goals -- For Bion, groups have specific goals that are differentiated by the manner of dissonance individuals bring: drug dependency, sexual abuse, a fatal disease, etc. his coming together out of homogeneity with a clear and stated aim -- dealing with the issue. Each group may or may not be identical in make up; for instance, there can be commonalities within the group, but the goal is the same. Uncovering the barriers to good health in the individual. It is clear rehabilitation from the issue that harbors negativity or an inability to be complete that allows for group therapy to use the interplay of the individual for a synergistic goal (Bion, 2004, 26).
Yalom, as noted, came to realize that there was really no such thing as a cure for the issues that surround dissonance. here is no such thing as permant conflict removal because humans continue to evolve and conflict…...
mlaTechnique- Bion's group require a task and an outline of moving from point A to point B. within the therapeutic process. This is a dual set of treatments -- one for each individual within the group, the other for the group as a whole organism itself. His view is that it is not the task of group therapy to deal with the individual's own psychological difficulties, but rather to transcend those difficulties so that the group dynamic will act as a healing element for the individual. To do this, Bion's technique focuses on the leader setting up a series of interventions and then stepping back to allow the group to work through these sets of dynamics in their own way; constantly guiding at appropriate times so that the group does not take the easy or passive way out of delving into difficult or painful discoveries (Lipgar and Pines, 2003. 29-36).
Yalom takes a number of environmental factors into consideration, which allows his technique to be more adaptive to the type of group and the place/time/setting of the therapeutic situation. Yalom's fluid technique is to help with the initial engagement and affiliation of the group; then work through the isues of power, status and compteition until the group experience begins to appear. Members are encouraged to describe their individual experiences to form common bonds with the rest of the group (you are unique but you are not alone). Yalom's technique then moves towards guiding the group towards exploration, but far less leader centered. He correlates the movement from leader centered to leader guide and exploration with positive achievement and movement towards change (Yalom and Leszcz, 309-10).
Curative Factors -- As previously noted, Yalom
In understanding further that the session referenced is focused on imparting ways in which group members may improve their own lives, group members additionally view John not as a friend but as an enemy capable only of passing judgment upon them.
Leader Interventions and Potential Outcomes
At this point, in viewing the severe lapse in productivity due to power structure and lack of trust within the group, it is clear that an intervention must be undertaken by John in order to move the group forward into the realm of positive outcomes. There are two main routes that John can take in order to alter the dynamics within the group. The first would highly ineffective, but can be seen as a route John would take based on his initial choice to ignore the comment directed toward him about the group's unhappiness from being "lectured to" each week. Such ineffective group leadership strategies…...
mlaReferences
Berg, R., Fall, K., and Landreth, G. 2006. Group counseling: concepts and procedures,
4th ed. Routledge, New York, NY.
Bonney, W. And Ginter, E. 1993. "Freud, ESP, and interpersonal relationships: projective identification and the Mobius interaction," in Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 15(1): pp. 150-170. Retrieved from: ProQuest Database.
Carns, A. And Carns, M. 1994. "Making behavioral contracts successful," in Teaching of Psychology, 42(2): pp. 155-160. Retrieved from: LexisNexis Database.
Therefore, one cannot conclude whether a trauma-centered, or present-centered approach is better for the treatment of substance abuse using group therapy.
Implications for Social Work
Studies regarding group therapy in veterans with substance abuse complications, the key benefits for those who participated was a longer-term effect. Group therapy enhanced the effect of other treatment modalities. However, the type of group therapy was found to be less important than the fact that the veteran received group therapy. For the social worker who works with the veteran population, it is important to understand the benefits of group therapy for the client.
Understanding that substance abuse in the veteran population is different from substance abuse in other populations, such as teenagers, is the key to providing them with the best line of defense. Group therapy can help the veteran learn positive coping mechanisms so that they do not have to turn to negative coping mechanisms,…...
mlaReferences
Gordon, S. (2008). Drinking Problems Greater Among Returning Combat Veterans. Health Day News. 12 August 2008. Retrieved 27 January 2009 at http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=news&id=112344&cn=14
Kerrigan, a., Kaough, J., & Wilson, B. et al. (2000). Vocational Rehabilitation Outcomes of Veterans with Substance Use Disorders in a Partial Hospitalization Program. Psychiatric Services. 51: 1570-1572.
Lash, S., Petersen, G., O'Connor, E. & Lehmann, L. (2001). Social Reinforcement of substance abuse aftercare group therapy attendance. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 20 (1): 3-8.
Schnurr, P., Friedman, M., & Foy, D. (2003). Therapeutics - Trauma-focused group psychotherapy is not effective for posttraumatic stress disorder in Vietnam veterans. Evidence-Based Mental Health. 60:481-489.
Group Addiction TX
Theory Selection
The Psychodynamic Model
The Behaviorists
The Cognitive Model
The Humanistic Model
Theory Analysis
Ethical and Cultural Considerations
Group Development
Personal Model
Psychology has a long tradition of interpreting human behavior across different paradigms. The current paper investigates a method of incorporating four main psychological paradigms: psychoanalytic, behaviorist, cognitive, and humanist, into group counseling treatment for addictions and compulsive behaviors. Each paradigm is briefly discussed then the integration of aspects from theoretical models that spring from the paradigms is examined. This integration is based on previous empirically-based findings that support the use of a specific facet or an approach to treatment and counseling. The integration of these paradigms is discussed in terms of the ethical and cultural considerations, the development of groups, and a model developed specifically to avoid recidivism in addictive or compulsive behaviors.
Psychology has a long tradition of interpreting human behavior across different paradigms. The specific paradigm used defines what methods, hypotheses, and…...
mlaReferences
American Psychiatric Association. (2000). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders- IV-Text Revision. Washington D.C.: Author.
Bandura, A. (1977). Social leaning theory. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Barry, P. (2002). Mental health and mental illness. (7th Ed.) New York: Lippincott.
Cox, W.M. (1985). Personality correlates of substance abuse. In M. Galizio & S.A.
Group Therapy on Chemically Dependent Women's Self-Efficacy"
The specific purpose for the study is to determine the effects of both cognitive group therapy and experiential group therapy on the self-efficacy of women that are chemically dependent. The purpose is explicitly stated in both the abstract and the study itself, which makes it very easy to find a focus for the paper and a quick understanding of what they study aims to examine. There was no need to read the entire article simply to understand what the purpose of the study was or what the researcher planned on measuring.
The purpose is very clear on what it intends to study, but is somewhat less clear on how it plans to do this. In other words, the purpose mentions chemically dependent women, but it does not say in the purpose statement where these women will be located, what age range they will be…...
Psychiatry: Group Therapy PaperGroup therapy is considered effective as groups support the individuals involved in the same situation and face the same problems. They facilitate social skills and enhance discussions among the same people who learn from their experiences (Orenstein, 2014). Also, group therapy costs lesser than individual counseling since a collection of members sits together to have the treatment by gaining a free learning experience of how others have been through the same medical condition and how they have been managing to cope.This paper aims at providing a theoretical reflection on the group that I will be working with, its member selection criteria, group contract, boundaries and limitations, process and content of the group, stages of group therapy and how they are applied with this group, group concepts and other explanations. Furthermore, the group is formed to bring changes in attitudes (Ezhumalai et al., 2018), which is one of…...
mlaReferences
Academy for Eating Disorders. (n.a.). DSM 5 feeding and eating disorders. https://higherlogicdownload.s3.amazonaws.com/AEDWEB/27a3b69a-8aae-45b2-a04c-2a078d02145d/UploadedImages/Learn/DSM5September2016Final.pdf
American Psychiatric Association. (n.a.). DSM 5 fact sheets. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm/educational-resources/dsm-5-fact-sheets
American Psychological Association. (2019, October 31). Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy. https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy
Body Matters. (n.a.). DSM 5 diagnostic criteria for eating disorders. https://bodymatters.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/DSM_V_Diagnostic_Critera_for_Eating_Disorders.pdf
standards of presence inform your group practice? What challenges might you have in maintaining them? Are there any you would add or delete?
Many of the "Standards of Presence" outlined by life coach Joanna Davis are extremely idealistic, such as the notion that a group member must always be fully present and give authentic feedback and support to fellow members. However, the standards provide important ideals to aspire towards in the context of an effective group practice. Being positive and supportive rather than negative and judgmental is an essential part of keeping a healthy mindset when interacting with others (Davis 2010). The standards underline the need to always be 'present' and mindful in all components of one's existence. When someone is speaking in a group, instead of 'zoning out' and waiting for your chance to speak, it is important to actually listen to what the individual is saying, so your…...
mlaReferences
Davis, J. (2011). Statement of presence. Retrieved from:
Ethics of Group Therapy
Ethical Concepts Guiding Group Psychiatric Therapy Practice
Ethically inclined group psychotherapists use moral codes produced from their professions and from associations dedicated to the furtherance of group psychiatric therapy like a modality. Good examples from the former would be the Ethical Concepts of Psychologists and Code of Conduct (American Psychological Association [APA], 2002) and also the NASW Code of Ethics (National Association of Social Workers [NASW], 1999). The second kind of codes are inclusive of the American Group Psychotherapy Association [AGPA] and also the National egistry of Certified Group Psychotherapists [NCGP] Guidelines for Ethics (2002) and also the Association for Specialists in Group Perform Best Practice ecommendations (Association for Specialists in Group Work [ASGA] (as cited in AGPA, 2002).
These codes provide recommendations on which attitudes and actions are desirable and just what considerations ought to be adopted or prevented. For instance, within the AGPA document, the counsellor is…...
mlaReferences
American Group Psychotherapy Association. (February, 2002). AGPA and NRCGP Guidelines for Ethics. Accessed March 15, 2006, http://www.agpa.org/group/ethicalguide.html .
American Psychological Association. (2002). Ethical principles of psychologists and code of conduct. Washington, DC: Author.
American Psychological Association. (2003). Multicultural guidelines: Education, research and practice. American Psychologist, 58, 377-402.
Beauchamp, T.L., & Childress, J.F. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics (5th ed.). New York: Oxford.
Solution Focused Group Therapy Depressed Individuals
Solution Focused Group Therapy on Depressed Individuals
People encounter various challenges in life ranging from diseases, lack of basic essential needs and psychiatric problems among others. This has given rise to various forms of therapies being adopted by specialists whilst offering solutions to depressed individuals. Group therapy has taken a center-stage in the management of depression. Butler et al. (2008) in their article titled "Meditation with yoga, group therapy with hypnosis, and psychoeducation for long-term depressed mood: a randomized pilot trial" show that depression and anxiety form part of the well-known conditions named by individuals seeking treatment using therapies and complementary alternatives. Alternative therapies include yoga, qigong, tai chi, mediation, and exercise. They argue that people are increasingly using these therapies. Butler provides information claiming that yoga and exercise are effective therapies with high rates than uncontrolled activities (Butler, et al. 2008). The authors also demonstrate…...
mlaReferences
Butler, LD et al. (2008). Meditation with yoga, group therapy with hypnosis, and psychoeducation for long-term depressed mood: a randomized pilot trial. Journal of clinical psychology, ISSN 0021-9762, 07/2008, Volume 64, Issue 7, pp. 806 -- 820
Constantino, M. J et al. (2008). Interpersonal Styles of Chronically Depressed Outpatients:
Profiles and Therapeutic Change. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training,
ISSN 0033-3204, 12/2008, Volume 45, Issue 4, pp. 491 -- 506
Abstract
This case conceptualization covers a weekly outpatient relationships group consisting of fifteen members, ages 25-50. All group members have been formally diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder and/or Depression, and some with more than one clinical disorder. Additionally, all members have attended this group for at least six months, most of whom attend regularly on a weekly basis. The case conceptualization includes background information on the clients, behavioral observations, clinical interpretations, and diagnostic impressions based on the DSM-5. A treatment plan and interventions for the clients are grounded in two primary theoretical orientations including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamics. A summary of the treatment, including client reactions, plus future recommendations are also provided. Ethical issues and quandaries are presented in accordance with the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics. Finally, limitations and supervision needs are discussed in light of scope of counseling practice.
Background: Presenting Problem
Clients’ Biopsychosocial History
Of the fifteen…...
Group counseling offers tremendous benefits to clients like Maria when offered as stand-alone interventions or in conjunction with other forms of therapeutic techniques. However, there are major differences between different types, styles, and forms of group counseling. The different types of group counseling include encounter groups, psychoeducational groups, counseling groups, therapy groups, and self-help or support groups. Research has highlighted the efficacy of multiple group therapies specifically for client populations who have endured intimate partner violence or domestic abuse (Sax, 2012). Participation in all types of groups can help Maria to rebuild trust in intimate relationships, while releasing her emotional dependency on her abusive partner. Role playing and other group activities can help Maria build specific communication and behavioral skills, while also reframing her relationship and redeveloping identity and sense of self. Thesis: While all group types increase members’ self-awareness, helping Maria to build the self-confidence she needs to make…...
mlaReferences
Sax, K. (2012). Intimate partner violence. The Group Psychologist 49(2012). Retrieved online:
Steckl, C. (2014). Which type of therapeutic group is right for you? Mental Help. Retrieved online: https://www.mentalhelp.net/blogs/which-type-of-therapeutic-group-is-right-for-you/ Sullivan, C.M. (2012). Support groups for women with abusive partners. NRCDV. Retrieved online: http://www.dvevidenceproject.org/wp-content/themes/DVEProject/files/research/DVSupportGroupResearchSummary10-2012.pdf http://www.apadivisions.org/division-49/publications/newsletter/group-psychologist/2012/11/partner-violence.aspx
Alcoholics Anonymous in Group TherapyGroup OrientationAlcoholics Anonymous (AA) focuses on attaining sobriety among alcohol users. One of the central areas of focus for AA is special populations such as adolescents, women, the elderly, people with disabilities, and racialized communities. Often, these categories do not enjoy the interventions integrated into the traditional systems. The associated benefits of AA linked to mainstream populations are not necessarily replicated among special populations. The theoretical basis of this argument is that the inception of AA did not target special populations besides the limited numbers of attendees from special populations. AA was designed to cater to adults from a Christian background, particularly white men. The question of its effectiveness in diverse populations is thus crucial in incorporating the theories of intervention. Moreso, in assessing the validity of the 12-step philosophy in AA. A generalized assessment indicates that AA is effective even among these diverse groups. Still,…...
mlaReferencesHumphreys, K. (1999). Professional Interventions That Facilitate 12-Step Self-Help Group Involvement, 23(2), 93–97. Timko, C. (n.d.). Outcomes of AA for Special Populations, 1–24.
Multiple studies support the use of cognitive behavioral approaches in individual therapy combined with group therapy sessions to support self-care behavior, self-efficacy and positive patient outcomes (Van der Ven, et. al, 2005; Bernard & Goodyear, 1002; Alterkruse & ay, 2000). Altekruse & ay (2000) also support the notion that group therapy may be interchangeable with individual therapy to promote positive outcomes among patients.
Conclusions
esults of the studies reviewed suggest a new approach to group therapy should include individual and group sessions that encourage patients to focus on their successes rather than failures. At this time the evidence supporting group therapy over individual therapy is conflicting. Much of the research suggests that both approaches may be equally effective. egardless many therapists still advocate group therapy as a primary modality for overcoming patient issues.
Pre-group training sessions may help members of the group adopt a new attitudes toward therapy that enables them to help…...
mlaReferences
Altekrsue, M. & Ray, D. (2000). "Effectiveness of group supervision vs. combined group and individual supervision." Counselor Education and Supervision, 40(1):19.
Bernard, J., & Goodyear, R. (1998). Fundamentals of clinical supervision (2nd ed.).
Boston: Allyn & Bacon
Classen, C. (2000). "Group therapy for cancer patients: A research-based handbook of psychosocial care." New York: Basic Books.
1. The impact of early childhood trauma on adult mental health
2. The effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy in treating depression and anxiety
3. The role of mindfulness techniques in stress management and emotional regulation
4. The ethical considerations in conducting therapy with children and adolescents
5. The prevalence and treatment of substance abuse disorders in clinical psychology
6. The intersection of genetics and environmental factors in the development of mental illness
7. The cultural considerations in providing therapy to clients from diverse backgrounds
8. The importance of self-care and burnout prevention for clinical psychologists
9. The role of attachment theory in understanding and treating relationship issues
10. The challenges....
Essay Topics on CBT for Trauma and PTSD
1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for PTSD: A Comprehensive Overview
Explore the theoretical foundations of CBT for PTSD
Discuss the key components and techniques used in CBT
Evaluate the effectiveness of CBT in treating PTSD symptoms
2. The Role of Cognitive Restructuring in CBT for PTSD
Examine the cognitive distortions and maladaptive beliefs that contribute to PTSD
Describe how cognitive restructuring helps clients challenge and modify these beliefs
Analyze the impact of cognitive restructuring on symptom reduction
3. Exposure Therapy and Anxiety Management Techniques in CBT for PTSD
Explain the rationale behind exposure therapy and its....
1. Identify and address underlying triggers: Group counselling sessions can provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore and identify their underlying triggers for alcohol addiction. By sharing experiences and insights with others in the group, clients can gain a better understanding of the factors that contribute to their substance use, such as stress, trauma, or social pressures. Once these triggers are identified, the group can work together to develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage them effectively.
2. Develop coping skills and relapse prevention techniques: Group counselling sessions can focus on teaching clients practical coping skills and relapse....
Tailoring Group Counselling Sessions for Alcohol Addiction:
Group counselling sessions designed specifically for alcohol addiction clients play a crucial role in addressing underlying triggers and promoting long-term sobriety. Here's how tailored sessions can effectively achieve these goals:
1. Safe and Supportive Environment:
Group sessions provide a secure and supportive space where clients can connect with others who share similar experiences. This environment fosters a sense of belonging, reduces stigma, and allows clients to share their fears and challenges openly. The therapist facilitates a compassionate and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging open and honest discussions.
2. Identifying Triggers:
Group therapy enables clients to explore their individual triggers that....
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