Reflection is one of the group approaches demonstrated. This strategy was well-presented since the therapist drew attention to concerns that had been explored in earlier sessions. She reminded them, for example, that they had addressed coping methods for circumstances that cause unpleasant feelings.
The other group technique that was demonstrated was quite beneficial. The therapists demonstrated this strategy by rewarding the participants’ comments. Clients who could utilize the coping strategies given in the previous session in real life settings, for example, are praised by the therapists.
Studies show that reflections are a significant component of therapy. According to Dames & Barrow (2017), reflection has been widely used in group therapy to help therapists uncover clients’ reactions to situations and previous sessions. Also, reflection has been used to clarify the clients’ understanding of a situation (Kealy et al., 2017).
I noticed that the therapist was a great active listener. The therapist gave the group members a chance to express themselves and did not interrupt them when they were giving their ideas. The therapists also affirmed that she was listening by asking questions and assuring them that they did excellently. The therapists also maintained appropriate eye contact with the clients, which made every client feel heard.
However, there is something that I should have handled differently. I would have encouraged the participation of group members but not forcing participation. Some clients seemed uncomfortable expressing their ideas in the session. The therapist gave each individual a chance to share their thoughts and feelings as per their sitting arrangement, which made some participants uncomfortable. Unlike using a strategy that seems to insinuate mandatory participation, I would clear an open space where participants can share their ideas at will.
I gained remarkable insights after watching how the therapists handled the group therapy. First, I learned about group dynamics and group development. I understood the various ways of maintaining group cohesion. The therapists began the session by giving the guidelines of being a member of the group. For example, she mentioned, “all members are to be respectful of each other, and there will be no unhelpful terms or labels in the group.” I perceived this as necessary because it is an ideal way of avoiding conflicts that increases the group’s sustainability.
Having a disruptive group member is usual in group therapy. If I were conducting a group session, stopping the outbursts would be one of my ideal techniques for handling a conflict. Working on solving the issue as soon as it appears will help prevent it from going out of hand. Conflicts threaten group cohesion and group sustainability as most people are unlikely to go to an unsafe therapy environment.
I would focus more on talking directly about an underlying cause of group conflict. According to Burlingame, McClendon, and Yang (2018), identifying the causes of disputes leads a therapist a step closer to solving the conflict. In most cases, group members will have issues with group rules, procedures, and end times. Creating room for discussion about these issues allows the disruptive group member to feel heard and that their opinions also matter. This will help come up with a solution and thus restore the group to normal functioning.
Group participation is vital in every therapy session. I would ensure a safe environment where members feel free to express their ideas to elicit group participation. To create a safe space, I would establish group agreements that would mold the group’s culture. These agreements will help develop a sense of trust and respect, improving the members’ participation (Arias-Pujol & Anguera, 2017).
Group members portray different behaviors at different phases of group therapy. At the forming stage, I anticipate finding members to look upon me for leadership and pointing them in the group’s direction. At the storming stage, I expect that group members will give their opinions and views. At the norming stage, I anticipate finding an improvement in the behaviors of the group members.
During this stage, I expect that group members are more relaxed and are closer psychologically. According to Whittingham (2018), group members develop a sense of belonging during the norming stage and become more productive. At the performing stage, I anticipate that group members will have realized their full potential and that each member can function independently. At the adjourning stage, I predict that each member will have recovered from their issues and can operate outside the group. Celebration of accomplishing the goal of the g
Order this paper