Overcoming resistance in group therapy through pre-group training

Resistance Group Therapy

For decades researchers have attempted to discover whether resistance to group therapy is more harmful than beneficial, and uncover what methods they can adopt to overcome resistance. Much research supports resistance as a common occurrence in group therapy (Waller, 1993). Resistance can be both harmful and positive. It is most likely to be positive when counselors use resistance to help patients identify areas for improvement and strategies for overcoming their resistance in the future. In addition the research supports a new approach that incorporates pre-group training as a positive method for overcoming resistance in group therapy.

A successful model for pre-group training may include encouraging patients to create a list of successes and define ways they may help other members of the group focus on their successes and goals rather than the problems that often cause them to seek therapy to begin with.

Proposition Overcoming And Encouraging Positive Group Therapy

Many problems arising with group therapy stem from counseling that focuses on problems rather than solutions (Laursen & Oliver, 2003). Far too often patients find it easy to focus on their struggles and problems in a forum that supports such release. However a new approach to group therapy should focus on encouraging patients both to participate in individual and group therapy session that focus on their successes.

In addition group therapy sessions should provide a forum where other members can help participants identify solutions to their problems rather than focus on the problem itself. By doing so patients will learn to take responsibility for their problems and recover more quickly.

Conclusions

Results 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. Regardless 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 other members remain focused on the positives rather than the negatives. In addition the research supports the use of cognitive behavior therapy as an adjunct therapy in most group sessions. It is important to note that while group therapy is supported for certain conditions, such an approach may not be beneficial for other group settings.