Psychotherapy with Groups and Families

Explain the group’s processes and stage of formation.

The case scenario presents an interaction between persons attending a group therapy. The whole scenario is for a single session in which there is a conflict between the family members. The group was constituted to address similar psychiatric concerns with a therapist being present to moderate the interactions. The therapist helps to structure the interactions by using professional skills and knowledge to bring order to the therapy with regards to the extent of interactions, when and where the group interactions occur, and setting the agenda and goals for each session. In the session, the group activities have been structured around the psychiatric issues affecting the group members, with the opportunity used to explore similar experiences while using conversation to exchange ideas and personalize solutions (Gladding, 2015). In the present case scenario, the group members have interactions in which they leverage their experiences to develop personalized solutions. A key activity in the interaction is the conflict between two group members that has extended to involve the other group members. The two conflicting members appear to be insistent on not being part of the same group with each one insisting that the other one should leave the group (Psychotherapy.net, 2011). Based on the conflict presented in the interaction, it is clear that the group is in the storming stage of formation. The conflict shows that the members are pushing against the boundaries that had been initially established in the forming stage. The storming stage is marked by competition and conflict. The conflict is between the two members, while the competition is from who gets the most support to remain part of the group. Cliques and subgroups are forming around the areas of agreement. Resolving this conflict will allow this group to move to the norming stage (Jacobs, 2016).Psychotherapy with Groups and Families

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Explain curative factors that occurred in the group. Include how these factors might impact client progress.

The curative factors are the healing factors responsible for bringing about a therapeutic change in the group. The first factor is the presence of hope. Hope is instilled in the group as they all expect to have their problems addressed in the group sessions. The second factor is the impartation of information as the group members exchange new information even as they engage in conflict. The third factor is the development of socialization techniques as the members interact and present their opinions even in the midst of conflict. The fourth factor is interpersonal learning as the group members learn from each other. The fifth factor is group cohesiveness as the group members take opposing sides in the conflict. The final factor is catharsis as the group members freely and openly express themselves thereby releasing their emotions (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). Psychotherapy with Groups and Families

Explain intragroup conflict that occurred and recommend strategies for managing the conflict.

The intragroup conflict occurred based around two conflicting group members. The two have been in disagreement that threatens to break up the group. They have expressed intentions of not being members of the same group and this conflict has degenerated to involve the other group members (Psychotherapy.net, 2011). There is a need for the therapist to mediate in resolving the conflict. This would entail getting the group members to work on overcoming the obstacles, accepting the individual differences that caused the conflict, and working through the conflicting ideas on group goals and tasks (Gladding, 2015). Overall, the therapist acts as an objective third party and leverages that position to remind the group members that conflicts and disagreements are normal, and that recognizing and resolving them early on is important for allowing the group to move to the norming stage (Jacobs, 2016).

References

Gladding, S. (2015). Groups: A Counseling Specialty (7th ed.). Pearson Education.

Jacobs, E., Schimmel, C., Masson, R., & Harvill, R. (2016). Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2011). Group therapy: a live demonstration. [Video file]. Author.

Yalom, I., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). Basic Books. Psychotherapy with Groups and Families