Irvin Yalom skilfully leads therapy group sessions to help patients having psychological conditions feel better. The video features a senior citizen, George, who is in a wheelchair and seemingly has a hand injury (“Psychotherapynet,” 2009). The patient expresses feelings of isolation and distress. As such, various group therapy techniques were applied to help the patient disclose his feelings for better results. One of the techniques demonstrated in the session is active listening. As the session goes on, the therapist and other group members actively listen to the patient without interruption to help them understand exactly what the patient is going through and the feelings. The next technique demonstrated in the video is the interpersonal technique. Yalom skillfully allows the members to discuss their own experiences and how they are related to the current case.
The interpersonal technique has been shown to use a psychodynamic approach to help in change-facilitation. One aspect of this strategy is that it considers a person’s subconscious beliefs and feeling as a central part of the current behaviors. This technique was excellently shown in the video as the therapist tried his best to help the patient to disclose more about his feelings (“Psychotherapynet,” 2009). George goes ahead and expresses feelings of loneliness and isolation. He indicates that he takes pleasure in helping people, but apparently, he can no longer do that; he has an injury, is confined to a wheelchair, puts on diapers, and feels that he shouldn’t be a bother to his family members.
Literature Evidence
During the session, the interpersonal process principles were evident as the group members remained active. From previous research, interpersonal techniques have been shown to facilitate better management of illnesses related to mental health, such as depression and distress. In one of the studies, this technique has been applied in managing patients with schizophrenia to help improve their symptoms (Burlingame et al., 2020). Patients have shown better results in reference to functionality when using interpersonal techniques during the group session in comparison with other techniques such as painting therapy and waiting lists.
What the Therapist Did Well
The therapist was keen to help the patient and therefore did a very good job. Through his guidance, the patient was able to express his feeling, however embarrassing they could have been. Seemingly, the patient was at pains to explain that he didn’t want to be a burden to the family members. The seating arrangement was also in such a way that it was close enough to ensure that every person felt at ease (“Psychotherapynet,” 2009). One impressive thing again was that the therapist did always keeping eye contact with George, helping the patient to focus and stay in the conversation. Another good which is evident from the session is that the therapists empathized with George and showed him support. Towards the end of the session, he says, “George, I know this hasn’t been easy for you, but I feel you’ve shared a whole lot I feel very moved by what you said, feel a lot closer to you. I feel like I kind of know exactly what you’re going through; thank you for sharing that with us other feelings.”
What I could have Handled Differently
As earlier indicated, the therapist did a good job. However, If I was in his position, there are things I could have handled differently. I felt it a bit rude to tell George that “I feel like I kind of know exactly what you’re going through.” This is someone in diapers and could be feeling horrible for not being able to live the way he is used to living. Therefore, I would choose my words carefully while attempting to empathize with him. Something like, “I believe you could be facing one of the most challenging moments of your life, but it will be well with you.” Such a statement puts more weight on the fact that the patient could be facing unique though common feelings like other people in similar situations (Morrison et al., 2019).
Insight Gained from Watching the Group Therapy Session
This therapy session would take most people through numerous emotional feelings from the start to the end. The session was an insightful one. I was able to notice how the therapist was patient with the patient, giving him time to share his thoughts and feelings (“Psychotherapynet,” 2009). This is particularly important for anyone who wants to lead psychotherapy sessions, be it individual or group sessions. I also n
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