Chapter 11: Psychotherapy Groups

1
Chapter 11 Psychotherapy Groups

• Introduction to Group Work, 5th Edition
• Edited by David Capuzzi, Douglas R. Gross, and
  Mark D. Stauffer

2
What Is Different About Psychotherapy Groups?

• Diagnostic foundation
• Transference
• Focus on effecting change or growth

3
Group Therapy Models

• Adlerian
• Social interest
• Problems occur within social context
• Humanistic
• Self-actualization
• CognitiveBehavioral
• Learned stimulusresponse patterns

4
ASGW Standards Applied to Psychotherapy Groups

• Core competencies
• e.g., application of principles and theories of
  normal and abnormal human development and
  functioning, application of principles through
  group-based intervention strategies
• Knowledge competencies
• e.g., theories of group work, different stages
  within groups, what is efficacious in group work
• Skill competencies
• e.g., assessment, intervention, attending
  behaviors

5
Leadership Variables

• Personal characteristics of group leaders
• Willingness to confront oneself
• Authenticity
• Self-care
• Self-awareness
• Interpersonal style
• Faith and enthusiasm

6
Characteristics of a Therapeutic Environment

• Safe environment
• Established rules and norms
• Atmosphere of respect
• Effective use of confrontation

7
Technical Knowledge Theory

• Use of knowledge not just what you know, but how
  you use the information
• Application of theories
• flexible and thoughtful approach
• member selection
• Interventions
• Group stage-specific interventions

8
Facilitative Style

• Technical expert style
• Directive
• Leader imparts knowledge, asks questions
• Model-setting participant style
• Participatory rather than directive
• Leader as role-model
• Facilitate insight and interpersonal learning

9
Managed Care

• Impacts of managed care
• Proliferation of group psychotherapy
• Increasing focus on brief therapies
• Increase in pharmacotherapy
• Effects upon the counseling profession
• Ethical considerations under managed care

10
The Future of Psychotherapy Groups

• Computers and the internet
• Role of information technology is controversial
• Interactive computer programs
• Education and training for counselors
• Cyber-counseling
• AKA, cybertherapy, etherapy, webcounseling,
  online therapy
• Group bulletin boards, chat rooms, email