Group Therapy CME.pptx

Group therapy counseling

1. B y Janet Ogutu GROUP THERAPY

2. INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS 01 02 TYPES 03 STAGES 04 BENEFITS AND TECHNIQUES

3. INTRODUCTION Group counseling is a therapeutic approach that involves a small group of individuals who meet regularly to discuss their concerns, share experiences, and provide support to one another under the guidance of a trained therapist or counselor. Group counseling offers a unique and valuable environment for personal growth, self-exploration, and interpersonal learning.

4. Group therapy is a form of treatment in which emotionally disturbed persons are placed in a group, guided by one or more therapists for the purpose of helping individuals to bring a change in them. Most therapy groups are focused on a particular problem. Depending on the type of challenge a person faces, in some cases, group therapy might be the best treatment option for recovery.

5. Open A closed group has a fixed number of group members and has a set duration. Closed groups are those in which all members begin the group at the same time Open groups are those in which new members can join at any time. An open group has an undefined number of group members with new people coming and going on a regular basis. Closed OPEN AND CLOSED GROUPS

6. Who is group therapy for? Group therapy can help people work toward and meet many types of goals. Therapy groups can help people whose mental health makes it difficult to get through daily life. Others may not have pressing concerns but still wish for training or support. They can also benefit from group therapy.

7. Some of the topics addressed in group therapy include:  Addiction  Domestic violence or abuse  Divorce  Anxiety  Communication issues  Parenting  Food and eating issues  Anger management  Grief and loss

8. A TYPICAL GROUP SESSION Led by one or two therapists trained to lead therapeutic groups. Groups can be as small as three or four, but group therapy sessions often involve sizes of around the range of six to twelve members . Timing . Typically, groups meet for 1-2 hours each week and address specific concerns shared by group members. The minimum number of recommended sessions is often six, but many people attend for a full year. Variety of settings , such as community centers, therapy offices, hospitals, libraries , members’ houses, or churches. Arrangement . The chairs arranged to make sure each person can see everyone else . To begin, members may introduce themselves, discuss their progress, or share the reason they are in group therapy. Group activities depend on the style of the therapist and the group's goals. Some therapists have planned lessons for each session. Others may promote a more free-form discussion style.

9. TYPES OF GROUP THERAPY 02 There are various types of group therapy approaches, each with its own focus and therapeutic goals.

10. Relapse Prevention Groups: a common feature of aftercare programs, and they are aimed to assist clients in identifying environmental triggers that may lead to relapse. Psychotherapy Groups: offer structured group formats to address specific mental health conditions. T ypically focus on teaching skills and strategies relevant to the particular disorder, such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, or mindfulness . Cognitive-Behavioral Groups: incorporate cognitive and behavioral techniques to address specific issues. They aim to help individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts, develop coping strategies, and modify behaviors. M ay focus on areas such as anxiety management, social skills training, or overcoming specific phobias . Support Groups: bring together individuals facing similar challenges or life situations to provide emotional support, share experiences, and offer practical advice. Experiential or Expressive Therapy Groups: use creative and expressive techniques to facilitate self-expression, emotional exploration, and personal growth. Examples include art therapy groups, music therapy groups, or psychodrama groups. A ctivities such as art-making, movement, or role-playing to access and process emotions in a non-verbal and experiential manner . Psychoeducational Groups: aim to educate participants about specific issues or skills . Focus on providing information, teaching coping strategies, and enhancing self-awareness. Examples include stress management groups, anger management groups, or psychoeducation groups for specific disorders.

11. STAGES OF GROUP THERAPY 03 Group therapy typically involves several stages that contribute to the overall therapeutic process.

12. BENEFITS AND TECHNIQUES 04

13. More benefits Different Viewpoints : People have the propensity to view difficulties and situations differently due to their varied personalities and background . Role Modeling : Group members can serve as role models for other members of the group. By observing someone successfully coping with a problem, other members of the group can see that there is hope for recovery . Accountability : When group members offer encouragement, criticism, and suggestions for dealing with difficulties, it helps others develop a sense of accountability from wanting to win the group’s approval and favor, encouraging them to move closer to attaining their objectives.

14. TECHNIQUES Psychoeducation: The therapist provides information, education, and resources to group members about specific mental health issues, coping strategies, communication skills, or other relevant topics. Icebreakers and Warm-up Activities: These activities are used at the beginning of a session to help group members get to know each other, build rapport, and create a comfortable atmosphere. Icebreakers can include sharing personal experiences, playing games, or engaging in light-hearted conversations. Group Discussions: The therapist facilitates group discussions, encouraging members to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to specific topics or themes. Sharing Circles: Sharing circles involve each group member taking turns to share their experiences, challenges, or successes on a particular topic. It provides an opportunity for individuals to feel heard and validated while receiving support and feedback from others. Supportive Feedback: Group members offer supportive and constructive feedback to each other, focusing on personal growth, strengths, and potential solutions.

15. TECHNIQUES Role-Playing: Role-playing allows group members to act out specific situations or conflicts to explore different perspectives, practice assertiveness or conflict resolution skills, and receive feedback from the group. Expressive Arts Therapy: Incorporating various art forms, such as drawing, painting, writing, or music, allows group members to express themselves creatively and explore their emotions in a non-verbal way. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation techniques within the group setting promotes self-awareness, emotional regulation, and stress reduction . Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques: Group therapy may incorporate cognitive-behavioral techniques, such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts, developing coping strategies, setting goals, or practicing problem-solving skills. Guided Imagery and Visualization: The therapist guides group members through relaxation exercises or visualizations to facilitate emotional exploration, stress reduction, and personal insight. It can be particularly helpful for addressing anxiety, trauma, or self-esteem issues.

16. Working with reluctant members Explain the rationale of the group in simple and clear language • Allow members to express reactions to being sent to group Go with resistance – Don’t go against resistance Avoid getting defensive Be clear and firm with your boundaries

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