1. Assumptions about Group Therapy

What first came to mind when you heard about group therapy? While group therapy can be similar to individual therapy, there are some aspects to it that are unique. Helping clients understand why, and how, group therapy is effective is often a key component of its success.
Therapy can be viewed as a journey during which the therapist acts as a guide through the wilderness. Journeying unescorted into the wild can be daunting, especially without knowing your final destination. A skilled guide, on the other hand, can make the experience rewarding and ensure you reach your destination without getting lost. Experience counts when working with a guide, be it a wilderness guide or a therapist. The best group therapists combine a talent for group leadership with an understanding of the therapy process. Before working with clients, it is important to understand your knowledge and beliefs, both accurate and faulty, regarding group therapy. Inaccurate assumptions may result in a misstep for you and your clients, thereby reducing the effectiveness of therapy.

For this Discussion, review this week's Learning Resources. Consider your own assumptions about group therapy and how they might impact your interactions with your future clients.

With these thoughts in mind:

at least two assumptions you may have about group therapy. Then, explain any personal experiences that helped form these assumptions. Explain how your assumptions might help or hinder your interactions with clients. Finally, explain how you might evaluate whether your assumptions are accurate or not. Be specific and use the Learning Resources and the current literature to support your response.

2: Group Therapy vs. Individual Therapy

"How will getting together with a group of strangers and talking about my personal problems help me? That's nobody else's business." This likely represents what some people think when they first consider group therapy. What would your reaction be if you sought help and learned you were going to be in group therapy? Struggling through personal problems can be just that-personal. Close examination of one's most damaging behaviors requires courage. Fear of judgment is one reason many people avoid therapy. Group therapy takes it a step further. In addition to the therapist, group therapy requires opening up to a group of individuals. This increases personal exposure and the risk of judgment. It is not surprising that many people balk at the idea of group therapy; however, once a person understands the many potential benefits of group therapy, it can become a very helpful and cost-effective treatment modality. For example, group therapy often builds a community based on shared experiences. This community supports members as they face their personal struggles.
For this Discussion, review the media titled "Audio Therapist: Group Therapy Client." Think about how you might respond to the client on the phone. Provide information about the benefits and limitations of group therapy and some differences between group therapy and individual therapy. Use your own words in clear terms as though you are speaking directly to a client.
With these thoughts in mind:

your response to the client in the scenario. Include an explanation of at least two benefits and two limitations of group therapy. Describe the group process and explain the potential effectiveness of group therapy versus individual therapy. Provide the rationale for your response to the client. Be specific and use the Learning Resources and the current literature to support your response.