Introduction
This Group Therapy Intensitive examines several theories related to group counseling and their application to group work. Participants will learn the types of group work, basic group leadership skills, group processes, and procedures. Those involved in both clinical individual and conjoint counseling as well as pastoral counseling and other helping ministries will learn how to conduct group work effectively that which is an important strategy for utilization in their daily and professional work. Therefore, knowledge of group theory and the development of group leadership skills are essential to becoming more effective practitioners in either setting.
- Define the purpose of group therapy
- Establish the relevance of group therapy and their specific goals and objectives
- Explain psychological group idiosyncrasies
- Explain how group design may influence group therapy
- Review some of ethical and legal considerations associated with group therapy
- Review what some of the research literature has to say about group therapy
- To impart much needed new-found knowledge and information about the benefits of group therapy
Who Should Attend?
Typically, groups meet for an hour or two each week. Some people attend individual therapy in addition to groups, while others participate in groups only.
Many groups are designed to target a specific problem, such as depression, obesity, panic disorder, social anxiety, chronic pain, or substance abuse. However, other group therapeutic approaches may also focus on topics related to personal development and/or growth which are more effectively achieved through the conceptualization of innovative group designs and the employment of progressive and “out of the box” group dynamic techniques.
Session 1: What are some of the Group Therapy Considerations?
60 Minute Session
- What to expect in group therapy?
- Is the group open or closed?
- How many people are in the group?
- How alike are the group members?
- Is group therapy enough?
- How much should I share?
Session 2: Understanding the Differences Between Individual, Couple and Group Therapy
60 Minute Session
- What is individual therapy
- What is couple therapy
- What is group therapy
- Advantages and disadvantages of individual therapy
- Advantages and disadvantages of couple therapy
- Advantages and disadvantages of group therapy
Session 3: Conceptualizing Group Design for Effective Group Dynamics
60 Minute Session
- Diversity in small group formats
- Group design location options
- Demographic considerations impacting group design
- Frequency consideration related to group design
- Meeting duration options
- Content delivery options
- Facilitating the optimization of group dynamics and membership participation
Session 4: Outlining the and Defining Importance of Group Stages.
60 Minute Session
- The Beginning Stage
- The Conflict and Controversy Stage
- The Working and Cohesion Stage
- The Termination Stage
Session 5: What are the benefits of group therapy?
60 Minute Session
- Opportunity to Establish a sense of belonging i.e. see that others are struggling in similar ways
- Group therapy is the perfect place to practice interpersonal communication, relationship building and social skills development
- The ability to receive support from more than one source
- Group members in therapy groups can function as sounding boards, provide feedback, and provide diverse perspectives
- Group participants reporting positive outcomes may increase motivation and participation from group peers
Session 6: Ethical and Legal
Considerations
60 Minute Session
- Orientation and provision of information
- Confidentiality
- Participation is voluntary
- Group members treated equitably
- Group members can be terminated by leader if deemed necessary
Session 7: What is a Psychoeducational
Group?
60 Minute Session
- Primary focus is on education and information dissemination
- Multisession approach is desirable
- Narrow focus
- Specifically designed to prevent or to solve specific problem(s)
- Cognitive versus affective focus
- Hybrid of academic impartation and therapeutic application
- Groups primary purposes include education, skills training and development, self-understanding, and self-knowledge
Ready to Start?
Book a free 15-minute consultation and complete the New Client Intake Form to begin your journey.