CNDV 5312 Final Project

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Lamar University *

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5311

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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Week Five Final Project Week 5 Final Project Ontario Ervin Lamar University CNDV 5312 Counseling Theory & Technique Dr. Wendy Greenridge August 4 th , 2023

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT Part I: Background The area I would focus on would be individuals and their use of social media. Emotional problems and excessive social media use deteriorate their self-esteem (Acar et al., 2022). Self- esteem is an essential aspect of daily functioning. It refers to how people view their worth and whether they hold a positive or negative opinion of themselves. The progress of social media platforms and the younger generation's inclination towards using them for communication has resulted in excessive use of social media (Acar et al., 2022). This excessive usage is labeled as social media addiction, similar to other behavioral addictions. The behavior of "digital status seeking" or clout chasing refers to activities that aim to boost one's position on social media (Acar et al., 2022). Participating in group therapy is an essential resource for those struggling with social media addiction. The group dynamic creates a nurturing and supportive environment where members can share their experiences, challenges, and successes without feeling isolated or ashamed. By seeing others cope with similar issues, individuals understand that their addiction is not uncommon and are encouraged to seek help. The group setting promotes empathy and understanding, enabling participants to validate and normalize their struggles. Through this process, people can learn from one another, exchange coping strategies, and gain insights into managing triggers and cravings. Additionally, group therapy enhances interpersonal skills through role-playing exercises and social skill-building activities, often limited by excessive social media use. Members provide valuable feedback and accountability, encouraging progress and commitment to their goals. Group therapy also addresses underlying emotional or psychological issues, such as loneliness, anxiety, or depression, taking a holistic approach to recovery. It creates a secure space for self-

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT exploration where individuals can delve into the root causes of their addiction without judgment. Ultimately, group therapy provides long-term support and empowers participants to build resilience and healthier coping mechanisms, which can lead to lasting recovery from social media addiction. Following a literature review, several facts about the relationship between mental health and social networking sites (SNS) were brought to light. SNS has negatively affected individuals. Many people prefer to use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok to keep in touch with friends and family. These platforms are popular because they are convenient and allow you to communicate with multiple people simultaneously, no matter where they are located. Additionally, their free access means that many people can use them. Checking social media regularly has also become an everyday habit. Frequent use of social media networks may decrease in-person social interactions. Furthermore, constant exposure to unrealistic portrayals of emotions, untruths, and relationships on social media can lead individuals to feel inferior and alone compared to their peers (Ugwu et al.,2023). This is due to the perception that others lead happier and more connected lives, creating a sense of social disadvantage (Ugwu et al.,2023). Depression significantly impacts health and can increase morbidity and mortality. The health effects of this mental disorder are becoming more pronounced, with the World Health Organization reporting that depression is one of the significant contributors to disability-adjusted life years globally (Ugwu et al.,2023). This is partly because depression often affects people in their prime years of early adulthood. Three significant markers highlight the relationship between depression and social networking sites (SNS). First, the problematic use of smartphones can lead to increased attention-seeking and heightened sensitivity. Second, little or no peer endorsement on social media, such as likes,

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RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT follows, and comments, can induce a sense of worthlessness. Finally, individuals may measure their achievements based on what they see online, which can lead to depressive tendencies and avoidance of reality (Ugwu et al.,2023). Addiction group counseling sessions share common elements that make them a practical and supportive treatment approach for individuals facing various types of addiction (Brocato, 2013). Participants find a safe and empathetic environment within a group setting where they can openly share their experiences, emotions, and addiction-related challenges. This sense of belonging and understanding among group members fosters a supportive community that empowers individuals to confront their addiction (Brocato, 2013). Led by a competent facilitator, group sessions involve goal setting, feedback, and coping skills training to help members progress in their recovery. Psychoeducation and shared experiences provide valuable insights into addiction and its impact on mental health, while coping skills equip individuals to manage cravings, stress, and triggers effectively (Brocato, 2013). Confidentiality within the group ensures a space free from judgment, encouraging honest and authentic discussions. Emotional support from peers becomes a crucial aspect of the process, and celebrating each other's successes reinforces positive behavior change. These sessions often span several weeks or months, providing long-term support and continuity as individuals work toward lasting recovery (Brocato, 2013). Group counseling sessions offer preventive and targeted groups to facilitate their members' social and emotional development (Gladding, 2016). Counseling in group therapy involves the skilled guidance and support provided by a trained mental health professional to a group of individuals who share similar challenges, goals, or issues. The counselor creates a secure and confidential space where participants can openly share their thoughts, emotions, and experiences

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT without fear of judgment. Their primary task is to manage group dynamics, ensuring that all members have an opportunity to participate and that interactions remain constructive and respectful. Working collaboratively with the group, the counselor helps set individual and collective goals for therapy, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. They provide emotional support and empathy, validating everyone’s experiences and emotions. The counselor also encourages active engagement and discussions within the group, facilitating the processing of group interactions to promote self-awareness and personal growth. As the group therapy concludes, the counselor assists the group in reflecting on their progress, acknowledging achievements, and planning for the future. Counseling in group therapy focused on social media addiction is a powerful and effective approach due to its unique benefits. Within the group setting, individuals grappling with social media addiction find a sense of shared understanding and validation as they relate to one another's experiences. This shared camaraderie fosters empathy and peer support, creating a nurturing environment where participants can openly discuss their struggles and triumphs. Group members learn from one another's coping strategies, gain insights into triggers and patterns, and exchange practical techniques to reduce social media usage and manage stress. The group dynamic provides an opportunity for social skill development, allowing participants to practice face-to-face interactions in a supportive setting. Leaders facilitate discussions, offer guidance, and address underlying emotional issues that may contribute to addiction. Setting goals and holding each other accountable within the group fosters motivation and commitment to recovery. The positive reinforcement and celebration of progress strengthen the group's support network. Through real-life experiments and behavioral

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT changes supported by the group and therapist, participants can test new habits related to social media use. To run a successful six-session group therapy for social media addiction, it is essential to have a well-planned structure. This ensures that participants receive the meaningful support they need to recover. During the first session, the focus will be on introductions and goal setting. I will introduce myself and remind everyone of the group's purpose. We will then do an icebreaker, where members can introduce themselves by sharing a little about their social media usage and the goals they hope to achieve in the group. Next, we will discuss social media addiction, its impact on mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Finally, I will help individuals set goals for reducing social media usage or addressing specific issues related to addiction. In our second session, I will concentrate on understanding triggers and cravings. First, I will remind the group of our purpose and reflect on our previous session. During the session, we will delve into the triggers that cause excessive use of social media and discuss the idea of cravings and ways to handle them. I will encourage members to share their experiences recognizing triggers and dealing with cravings. Lastly, I will assign mindfulness techniques as homework to assist in managing impulses. Our third session will delve into effective coping strategies and healthy alternatives. As with our previous meetings, we will start by revisiting our goals and reflecting on our previous discussions. Throughout the session, we will explore ways to handle stress, boredom, and negative emotions healthily rather than relying on social media. I will also encourage members to share their success stories and challenges while trying these strategies. I will also introduce

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RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT activities that promote well-being and social connection outside social media, like hobbies, exercise, and volunteering. During our fourth meeting, we will focus on interpersonal skills and communication. As we are already halfway through our sessions, we will take a moment to reflect on our group goal and personal goals. Depending on the group's dynamics, we may engage in an icebreaker or activity to further strengthen our relationships. For example, we may try a role-playing exercise to practice assertiveness and effective communication. Additionally, we will discuss the influence of social media on face-to-face interactions and interpersonal skills and encourage participants to share their experiences and provide support and feedback to one another. During our fifth session, we will discuss the relationship between social media addiction and underlying emotional or psychological issues. We will delve into common emotional challenges like loneliness, anxiety, and self-esteem issues and examine how they can contribute to addiction. Finally, I will foster a safe and supportive environment where group members can openly share their experiences. We will reflect on the past five sessions during our last group therapy session and discuss future plans. We will review each participant's progress toward their goals, acknowledge achievements, and address any obstacles. Additionally, I will provide helpful resources and tools for continued support after the group therapy ends. If necessary, I will also recommend participating in future support groups or individual therapy to aid recovery further. Part II: Group Logistics We will find a suitable location for my group counseling sessions, such as my organization's social hall. This venue is conveniently located near the city center and easily accessible. Additionally, we offer resources for employment, education, rental/utility assistance, and a food

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT pantry. Our weekly sessions will last 90 minutes, providing ample time to cover the material and allow members to discuss their personal experiences. After work and school hours, the sessions will be held in person in the evening. The group will have 6-10 members to ensure diversity but give space for a personal approach to maintain a balanced group dynamic. I will aim to create a diverse group regarding age, gender, and social media usage habits while ensuring participants have similar goals and challenges related to social media addiction. The average American uses social media for two hours and three minutes (Dixon, 2023). Regarding social media use, race and community show the least diversity, while age, gender, income, and education show the most. Specifically, females aged 18-29 who earn less than $30,000 a year use social media the most during their high school years. (Demographics Of Social Media Users and Adoption in The United States, 2023). I have chosen to focus on individuals between 18 and 35 who earn less than $50,000 per year to ensure a diverse sample and a higher likelihood of social media addiction. Since the average American spends roughly two hours on social media, I will aim this group at individuals who report using social media over four a day post lockdown. The group is voluntary; however, I would include individuals who know they use social media over four hours a day and report negative feelings associated with it. Joining this group can bring about positive changes for its members. By sharing their experiences and listening to others, individuals can better understand themselves and identify the triggers and emotions contributing to their addiction (Acar et al., 2022). In this therapeutic environment, members also can develop healthier coping mechanisms for managing stress and negative emotions, which can help reduce their dependence on social media. Group interactions also provide a chance to practice and improve interpersonal communication skills, leading to

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT genuine connections and more robust peer networks. These connections and support can extend beyond therapy sessions and provide ongoing encouragement (Acar et al., 2022). As social media use decreases, members may be more engaged in fulfilling activities. Ultimately, group therapy for social media addiction can empower individuals, build resilience, and create a supportive community for lasting recovery. This transformative process promotes personal growth and enhanced well-being. Several challenges can affect the process's effectiveness regarding group therapy for social media addiction. One of the biggest challenges is getting people to be open to changing their habits. Some people may not recognize an addiction, while others may resist change (Acar et al., 2022). Additionally, group dynamics can significantly affect how well the therapy works. Some members may be more engaged than others, and conflicts or cliques could form within the group (Gladding, 2016). Digital distractions can also be a problem during online sessions, so it is important to establish ground rules to keep everyone focused (Acar et al., 2022). Privacy concerns can also be a barrier to open sharing, mainly if people use pseudonyms or are anonymous. To overcome these challenges, leaders must create a supportive and non-judgmental environment, establish clear guidelines, address individual needs, and provide resources for continued support and aftercare. During group counseling sessions for social media addiction, the leader takes a collaborative and personalized approach to help each member achieve their goals. At the start of the therapy, the leader encourages members to share their specific objectives, ranging from reducing social media usage, setting boundaries, improving productivity, or enhancing real-life social connections (Gladding, 2016). The leader maintains a goal-oriented environment throughout the sessions and designs group activities and interventions to align with everyone’s goals.

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RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT Personalized strategies are offered to cater to participants' unique needs, such as coping techniques, mindfulness exercises, or communication skills training. Regular check-ins and progress tracking ensure accountability, with the leader celebrating successes and providing constructive feedback (Gladding, 2016). The leader facilitates collaborative group discussions to explore solutions if participants encounter obstacles. The leader remains flexible and empowers participants to take ownership of their recovery journey, acknowledging that goals may evolve. This supportive and non-judgmental atmosphere motivates participants to work towards their objectives, fostering meaningful and sustainable progress in overcoming social media addiction. Part III: Group Leadership, Theory, and Techniques I would implement cognitive behavioral therapy to overcome social media addiction in my group therapy. This approach identifies and addresses harmful thought patterns and behaviors (Granello & Young, 2018). Specifically, in the context of social media addiction, CBT can aid individuals in identifying triggers for excessive usage, correcting distorted beliefs about social media, and developing healthier coping mechanisms. When using CBT in group therapy to address social media addiction, it is essential to consider its effectiveness carefully. One key factor to consider is the group composition, ensuring members have similar goals and struggles related to their addiction. Challenging cognitive distortions is crucial, which can help participants reframe negative thoughts and beliefs about social media (Granello & Young, 2018). To ensure long-term success, the group leader emphasizes relapse prevention strategies and encourages participants to apply CBT techniques daily. Although I have not explicitly facilitated group therapy, I have experience leading workshops with similar dynamics. To provide effective group counseling, I maintain a non-judgmental and

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT accepting attitude toward all group members, encouraging open communication. Additionally, I am culturally sensitive and respectful of group members' diverse backgrounds and experiences, recognizing that although they may have similar issues, they may develop them differently. My work in mental health facilities and with youth has honed my conflict resolution skills, which allows me to navigate conflicts within the group and address interpersonal issues constructively. However, my most effective skill is self-awareness. I am mindful of how my beliefs and biases may impact therapy and take active measures to mitigate these effects. As a group counselor, I acknowledge my strengths and weaknesses. While I excel in certain areas, I sometimes get too caught up in achieving outcomes and rush through the treatment process. This can cause some members to feel disengaged. Additionally, I adhere strictly to the program structure, which may only sometimes align with the group's specific needs. Despite being self-aware, I tend to impose my objectives on my clients. For this group, I will use a co-leader. Using a co-leader in group therapy for social media addiction yields several valuable benefits for facilitators and members. The primary advantage is that it brings shared expertise and skill sets to the therapy sessions. Each co-leader contributes unique insights and experiences, enriching the group's therapeutic process and providing participants with more coping strategies and perspectives to address their addiction. Another significant benefit is the support and backup co-leaders offer each other. A co-leader provides emotional support and helps prevent burnout, ensuring that therapy sessions can continue without disruptions in case one leader is unavailable. The presence of co-leaders also means that members benefit from diverse therapeutic approaches and perspectives. The co-leaders' different viewpoints and styles can enhance the therapy's effectiveness and cater to the individual needs of the group members.

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT Additionally, with one leader facilitating the discussion and the other observing group dynamics and individual reactions, more comprehensive feedback and a deeper understanding of members' needs become possible. Co-leaders also share administrative tasks, allowing smoother session scheduling, record-keeping, and material organization. This streamlined approach ensures that the therapy process remains efficient and focused on the participants' needs. In group counseling sessions for social media addiction, cognitive behavioral therapy, CBT, can benefit participants. Through CBT, individuals can learn to recognize and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs about social media use. This process promotes self-awareness and helps individuals identify triggers and emotional responses that may contribute to their addiction (Brocato, 2013). CBT also teaches practical coping skills that can be used to manage cravings and stress and encourages individuals to pursue alternative, fulfilling activities. CBT may not work for everyone, and group dynamics can affect effectiveness. The fixed schedule may limit individual exploration, and cultural sensitivity is crucial. CBT may not address all unique challenges, and dropout is possible. External factors can influence addiction, and long-term maintenance requires ongoing commitment and support. As the leader of group therapy, I will evaluate the group's progress in achieving their initial therapy goals and their ability to manage social media usage and develop coping skills. It is crucial to gather feedback from group members to gain insight into the effectiveness of the therapy and their readiness to face challenges independently (Gladding, 2016). I will also assess the group dynamics, cohesion, and interpersonal relationships developed during therapy sessions. We will work together to resolve any difficulties during therapy and evaluate the group members' satisfaction level and perceived benefits. Based on this comprehensive evaluation, I will determine if the group members are ready to maintain their progress independently or if further

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RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT support is necessary. Appropriate closure and aftercare resources will be provided to ensure sustained recovery. Follow-up is critical to our therapy sessions as it ensures continuity and sustained progress. It enables ongoing support, monitoring, and reinforcement of the changes made during our initial sessions (Gladding, 2016). Follow-up helps identify potential relapses or setbacks and allows timely interventions to prevent previous behaviors. It also provides an opportunity to address new challenges or issues that may arise after the initial intervention and ensures that individuals continue to receive the necessary support and resources for their ongoing well-being (Gladding, 2016). Regular follow-up reinforces the individual's commitment to their goals and helps them stay accountable, leading to better long-term outcomes.

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT References: Acar, I. H., Avcılar, G., Yazıcı, G., & Bostancı, S. (2022). The Roles of Adolescents’ Emotional Problems and Social Media Addiction on Their Self-Esteem. Current Psychology: A Journal for Diverse Perspectives on Diverse Psychological Issues, 41(10), 6838–6847. https://doi-org.libproxy.lamar.edu/10.1007/s12144-020-01174-5 Brocato, J. (2013). Review of Group Cognitive Therapy for Addictions. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 13(3), 312–313. https://doi- org.libproxy.lamar.edu/10.1080/1533256X.2013.813356 Demographics of Social Media Users and Adoption in The United States . (2023). Pew Research Center: Internet, Science & Tech. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/fact-sheet/social- media/?tabId=tab-d102dcb7-e8a1-42cd-a04e-ee442f81505a Dixon, S. (2023). Global Daily Social Media Usage 2023 | Statista . Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/433871/daily-social-media-usage-worldwide/ Gladding, S. (2020). Groups: A Counseling Specialty (8th ed.). New York: Pearson Education, Inc.

RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT Granello, D., & Young, M. (2018). Counseling Today: Foundations of Professional Identity (Merrill Counseling) (2nd ed.). Pearson. Ugwu, L. E., Idemudia, E. S., Chukwu, O. O., & Onyedibe, M. C. C. (2023). Measuring The Impact Of Social Media On Young People’s Mental Health: Development And Validation Of The Social Media-Induced Tendency Scale. Depression Research and Treatment, 2023. https://doi-org.libproxy.lamar.edu/10.1155/2023/8677521

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RUNNING HEAD: WEEK FIVE FINAL PROJECT

CNDV 5312 Final Project

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