Group therapy can be very beneficial for clients. In fact, research has shown that for many clients, group therapy is as effective as individual therapy. Members of groups are not only able to influence change within one another, but they are often able to more easily relate to the guidance of peers than that of a therapist. With the increasing popularity of this therapeutic approach, it is essential for you to have a strong foundation in psychotherapeutic techniques for groups.
Assignment: Analyzing Group Techniques
Group therapy can alleviate feelings of isolation and foster a supportive and collaborative environment for sharing difficult feelings in order to facilitate healing. For many people, being part of a group that has a shared understanding of a struggle provides a unique opportunity to gain understanding of their own experiences.
As you examine one of the group therapy demonstrations from this week’s Learning Resources, consider the role and efficacy of the leader and the reasons that specific therapeutic techniques were selected.
Select one of the group therapy video demonstrations
Cats Cats. (2016, September 29). Interpersonal group therapy for addiction recovery demonstration [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/szS31h0kMI0
Gerber, B. (2013, November 21). Psychotherapy group for schizophrenia [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8Dzus8WGqA
Henson, B. A. (2017, April 27). Role play: Group counseling for adolescents with anxiety [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6CF09f5S1M
PsychotherapyNet. (2009, May 6). Irvin Yalom inpatient group psychotherapy video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05Elmr65RDg
PsychotherapyNet. (2009, May 7). Irvin Yalom outpatient group psychotherapy video [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PwnfWMNbg48
The Assignment
In a 3- to 4-page paper, identify the video you selected and address the following:
• What group therapy techniques were demonstrated? How well do you believe these techniques were demonstrated?
• What evidence from the literature supports the techniques demonstrated?
• What did you notice that the therapist did well?
• Explain something that you would have handled differently.