In group therapy,
approximately 6-10 individuals meet face-to-face with a
trained group therapist. During the group meeting time,
members decide what they want to talk about.
Members are encouraged to give feedback to others.
Feedback includes expressing your own feelings about
what someone says or does. Interaction between group
members are highly encouraged and provides each person
with an opportunity to try out new ways of behaving; it
also provides members with an opportunity for learning
more about the way they interact with others. It is a
safe environment in which members work to establish a
level of trust that allows them to talk personally and
honestly. Group members make a commitment to the group
and are instructed that the content of the group
sessions are confidential. It is not appropriate for
group members to disclose events of the group to an
outside person.
When people come into a group and interact freely with
other group members, they usually recreate those
difficulties that brought them to group therapy in the
the first place. Under the direction of the group
therapist, the group is able to give support, offer
alternatives, and comfort members in such a way that
these difficulties become resolved and alternative
behaviours are learned.
The group also allows a person to develop new ways of
relating to people.
During group therapy, people begin to see that they are
not alone and that there is hope and help. It is
comforting to hear that other people have a similar
difficulty, or have already worked through a problem
that deeply disturbs another group member.
As the group members begin to feel more comfortable, you
will be able to speak freely. The psychological safety
of the group will allow the expression of those feelings
which are often difficult to express outside of group.
You will begin to ask for the support you need. You will
be encouraged tell people what you expect of them.
In a group, you probably will be most helped and
satisfied if you talk about your feelings. It is
important to keep in mind that you are the one who
determines how much you disclose in a group. You will
not be forced to tell you deepest and innermost
thoughts.
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