Building a group

Selection

Will member benefit?

Will member make a positive

contribution to others?

Therapuetic Goals

• Before starting a group it is imperative that• The goal is clear to the leaders• It is the goal and the understanding of the

etiology of problems that defines the group format, duration and members

Exclusion

• Unwillingness or low motivation to participate• Extremely high level of distress• Non compliance with rules• Incapacity for connection• Cognitive limitations

Selection Methods

• Interviewing• Brief exposure (difficult not utilized)• Testing

Preparation of new members

Giving an accurate picture of the group

Insuring that member behavior is supportive

of the group goals

Group Structure

• Spatial characteristics (size, confidentiality etc..)

• Time and length of the group (1.5-2 hrs weekly) 12-20 weeks

• Size (5-12)

Stages of Group development

Stage OneAdaptationOrientation

Initial EngagementInclusion

Stage two

Reactive phase--Control

Differentiation

Conflict and Confrontation

Stage Three

Togetherness

Commitment-Bonding-Cohesion

Attraction--Identification

Stage Four

Mature Work--Resolution

Productivity—Task Orientation

Cooperation

Stage Five

Termination

Farewell

Closure

The Group Therapist

• Belief in the modality• Optimism• Capacity for empathy• Awareness of self• Ability to deal with narcissism and shame• Ability to be aware of multiple levels of

interaction• Managing fear and anxiety