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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 as a group of related individuals in the same household (Family counseling, 2012, Good Therapy). "Rather than viewing problems as owned and caused by a particular family member (also called an 'identified patient'), Family Therapy helps to identify the ways that relationship and individual problems are caused and maintained by the family dynamics" (Family counseling, 2012, Good Therapy). Family therapists help to identify 'roles' that different family members play and the structures that define relationships in families. The goal of family therapy is to create more productive, honest relationships between family members and to help alleviate long-standing familial tensions.

Other group therapies entail the coming together of a group of strangers who "meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and one another" and are united by a common problem, like depression (Information about group psychotherapy, 2012, Group Works!). "A group therapist appropriately selects people (usually 5 to 10) who would be helped by the group experience and who can be learning partners for one another. In meetings, people are encouraged to talk with each other in a spontaneous and honest fashion" (Information about group psychotherapy, 2012, Group Works!). In contrast, self-help groups are not lead by a trained therapist, even though they may have a specific goal and treatment structure like Alcoholics Anonymous.

Facilitated group therapy is used with the goal of improving the ability of members to relate to other people, although some group therapies may have a specific goal, like a support group designed to help members cope with grief. Self-help groups likewise have a specific goal, usually the cessation of a specific behavior (like substance abuse) or thinking patterns.

Discuss group structures

Groups may be short-term in nature, with specific beginning and end dates, or they may be indefinite, continuing groups. Regardless, the obligations group members have to one another, in terms of how they listen and respond, must be made clear to participants. Some groups require participants to attend for a specific time period and have mandatory attendance requirements. This is to create a consistent, supportive environment and to ensure group members do not engage in 'avoidant' behavior. Being respectful of other group members, not talking out of turn, and coming on time are other rules that are usually enforced in all types of group structures (Group psychotherapy, 2012, Group psychotherapy).

Discuss the role of the social worker

The social worker brings his or her knowledge of the workings of groups to bear upon the functioning of the group environment. Social workers have insight into the sociological problems that produce some of the problems with which group members may be struggling.

Group formation (the ideal size of a group)

Although opinions vary regarding the ideal size, most facilitated groups are relatively small, usually consisting of 10 to 15 people (Information about group psychotherapy, 2012, Group Works!).

Discuss treatment techniques

One increasingly popular technique used in group therapy is that of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy is externally-oriented, and designed to create more effective relational patterns for patients by identifying irrational behavior patterns and thoughts, thus fostering more productive coping mechanisms (Jansson & Linton 2008). Other techniques include "psychoanalytic to behavioral, Gestalt or encounter groups. Groups vary from classic psychotherapy groups, where process is emphasized, to psychoeducational, which are closer to a class" (Group psychotherapy, 2012, Group psychotherapy). In more psychoanalytically-oriented groups, the counselor is not as directive in his or her method, while in CBT and psychoeducational approaches, the therapist assumes greater control over the proceedings.