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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 3 step process, group members get to know one another, and are apt to develop either an "in or out" feeling (Bandy, 2010). This possibility of developing feelings of alienation makes it critical for leaders to "maintain a basic posture of concern, acceptance, genuineness and empathy toward the group members" (Bandy, 2010, slide 5). Guidelines and normative behaviors are discussed, and group and individual goals are set (Brodsky, 1999). It's also important for group leaders at this stage to meet with each member individually to feel them out for any personality disorders or behaviors that may cause disruption and hinder group progress. This stage corresponds to the "forming" stage in the 5 step model, and is also known as the orientation and exploration phase (University of Illinois at Urbana Psychology Dept, 2010).
In the transition or storming stage, conflicts and tensions arise as members begin to test one another and work to define their place in the group. In addition,...
Emotion may run high as feelings of "anxiety, defensiveness, and resistance are displayed" (Brodsky, 1999, p. 1). During this phase, tensions also play out as members begin to transition from a preoccupation with group acceptance and approval to concern with "dominance, control, and power" (Bandy, 2010, slide 12)
The next stage or stages are the norming and working/performing phases, when trust and bonding is established between group members as a result of the making it through the "storming" (University of Illinois at Urbana Psychology Dept, 2010). This trust allows the real therapeutic work to begin as members feel safe and secure enough to open up more fully (Brodsky, 1999). Group cohesiveness develops as members unite around a common goal and develop positive group spirit based on principles of "cooperation, mutual support, group integration, we-consciousness unity, support and freedom of communication as well as the establishment of intimacy and trust between peers" (Bandy, 2010, slide 17). In addition, the working/performing stage is the time for group members to "experiment with new ideas, behaviors or ways of thinking; and egalitarianism develops" (University of Illinois at Urbana Psychology Dept, 2010, p. 19). While members at this stage may have a "rosy glow" of high hopes and a strong sense of cohesion, progress cannot be made unless members remain open to expressing difficult feelings and honestly addressing the conflicts that will naturally arise (Bandy, 2010).
Finally, the group undergoes a termination stage to ease the process of separation. This stage only applies to time-limit groups, but members of open-ended groups will also have to deal with the loss of members. By this time, strong bonds and friendships have formed, so disbanding may be stressful. Group members are given time to gradually "close up" again; at the same time, counselors encourage a positive outlook based on progress already made and plans for future…
References
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.
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