Drs. Chris Schimmel and Ed Jacobs discuss common mistakes in group counseling from an Impact Therapy point of view based on their book, Group Counseling: Strategies and Skills.
Common Group Counseling Mistakes
Group counseling is a form of psychotherapy that usually involves four to ten clients and one or two experienced group therapists. Most therapy groups meet every week at the same time for one or two hours. During this period, the members of the group discuss the issues that are concerning them and offer each other support and feedback. Interpersonal interaction is highly valued and encouraged. Group counseling may be particularly useful for students who are having difficulties in their relationships or who want to learn about themselves and their connections to other people.
Community Counseling Solutions offers several different groups based on various interests and perspectives.
Why do people join groups?
Most often, people participating in a group because they are having some struggles with their relationships. The group is often the best place to get help with mutual concerns. If you have been referred to the group, it is because it is the most effective method for addressing your concerns. Here are some examples of the kinds of interpersonal issues that bring people to group:
- Loneliness or isolation
- Shyness
- Excessive dependence in relationships
- Superficial relationships
- Frequent arguments with people
- Discomfort in social situations
- Difficulty trusting others
- Being easily hurt or offended
- Needing a lot of reassurance from others
- Afraid of being left and
- Lack of intimacy in relationships
Naturally, many of us experience these concerns at one time or another, but if you experience one or more of these to the extent that they are causing significant pain or distress for you, group therapy may be a solution.
How does group therapy work?
Group therapy is a unique experience for most people because the therapists and group members work hard to make it a safe and confidential place to explore relationships. Through the sharing process, members develop a level of trust that makes it possible for them to be honest and open with each other. They also learn to care for and accept each other. Ideally, the individuals who join the group are committed to learning about themselves and their relationships, and often they find considerable support and encouragement in group therapy.
Group therapy usually works because members behave in the society in ways that reflect how they act outside of the group. The difference is that the leaders and the other members can help the individual change unproductive patterns by giving feedback about how they perceive you and by offering alternative ways of interacting.
The group can also be a safe place to try out or practice some of these new options with people who are caring and encouraging. The group also helps people see that they are not alone in their pain. Finally, members can get advice and guidance from each other. Even if it is difficult for you to interact in a group situation, you can still benefit from being in the group. What does society look like? Groups can be organized in several different ways. Some groups have an overarching theme or are geared toward a particular type of concern.
Some examples of this type of group are those designed for women with eating disorders, for survivors of interpersonal trauma, or for gay and bisexual men. Other groups are more open to anyone. These are usually called general therapy groups. Another way that groups are organized is in relation to time. Some groups are open-ended and may last for years. Still others are time-limited and conclude after a certain number of weeks–usually between 6 and 12 weeks.
Also, some groups have open membership, meaning that the members can come and go as they please; while others have closed membership, saying that once the group reaches a certain number, no new members are added.
Finally, some groups are considered unstructured while others are considered structured which refers to whether or not there are planned activities for the group. If there are no structured activities, the group itself is free to decide how it will focus its time. If you have been referred to group therapy or are considering group therapy, you will want to ask questions about how the group is organized.
How can I get the most out of a group?
Most people are apprehensive about joining a group and experience some anxiety about doing so. It is not uncommon for people to worry that they will talk too much or not say enough, or that others will not accept them in the group. Most are concerned that the group will not help them. There are some things that you can do to maximize the chances that group will be meaningful and healing experience for you. The more willing you are to participate and commit to the group, the more likely it is that you will benefit from it.
Being as genuine as you can be will allow others to help you more directly. Think about what you would like to work on in the group and work actively towards change. Ask the group for help. Respect your safety needs and don’t press yourself to reveal more than you are comfortable revealing. On the other hand, gently challenge yourself to take more risks with self-disclosure so that your other needs get met as well. Use group to talk about yourself and your concerns. Many people struggle with whether or not it is OK to use group time. They worry that their concerns are not important enough, or they believe that others need the time more than they do. The group will be most helpful to you if you can find a way to talk about yourself. Express your thoughts and feelings.
Notice if you are holding back from doing this and talk about your fears of sharing in the group. “Try on” new behaviors in the group and ask for feedback from others when you do so. Although this means taking risks, it is usually well worth it. Give others feedback. This allows you to practice being direct, honest and assertive, but it also helps the other members to know how they are perceived. Be patient with yourself and the group. It will take time for you to feel comfortable in the group and it will take time for the group to develop trust.
You are encouraged to commit to the group for a sufficient amount of time before deciding that it is not the right treatment for you. When you are not in a group, think about the group and what kinds of reactions you are having. When you return to group the next week, share as many of these thoughts and feelings as you feel comfortable sharing.
