PSY 606 Concepts-in-Action_Week 10

Group Observation “Concepts in Action” Worksheet This form is to be used during and/or after observation or participation in a group. You should include multiple examples of observed therapeutic factors, interpersonal skills, group facilitator skills, or other group therapy concepts listed in the Inventory of Group Leadership and Interpersonal Skills. CONCEPT DESCRIPTIVE OBSERVATION OR ILLUSTRATIVE GROUP INTERACTION Themes, Issues, Challenges Therapeutic group for addictions where peers comment on relapses and emotional affectations. In this meeting, the group expresses frustration with some peers who do not accept the group's suggestions. 3 or more Group Dynamics 1. Group Cohesion/Inclusion and Exclusion 2. Group Leadership 3. Intergroup Relations/Difference Dynamics 1. A peer, Gemma, does not seem to adapt to the group and seems frustrated, and she expresses that she should be in individual therapy. Later in the session, she reports that she may not know how the group can help her. However, some of her peers say they do not know much about her, not even her leader, making it difficult for them to help her. Co-leader Beatty asks her questions to clarify with Gemma so that she can express her feelings. 2. Leader Leighton and co-leader Beatty encourage Gemma to be more open to showing herself to the group. The peers expressed it to Gemma in different ways, and then the leader intervened, supporting the group and telling Gemma that he also thinks the same. Beatty asks him, "When you were out there drinking, how was it for you?" so that she begins to express herself, and it works. 3. A peer, Jimmy, expresses that he felt close to the vulnerability of another peer. It is perceived that Jimmy and the other peers, except for Gemma, feel safe and vulnerable in front of the group. Brian and Sabina seem resistant to receiving suggestions from their peers. Mark was straightforward towards Gemma at one point, and Mark made him understand. Mark has also expressed frustration when he refers that some peers do not receive the group's suggestions. 3 or more Therapeutic Factors Operating: 1. Group Cohesion 2. Catharsis 3. Instillation of Hope 1. There is perceived cohesion in the group; perhaps they have been together for some time. It is observed to insist on feelings of interpersonal liking and commitment among the group members. 2. In this session, your peers Jimmy and Emma presented emotional release in front of the group. In Jimmy's case, he expresses that he feels confident and that the group knows who he is. In Gemma's case, it is different because she still does not trust that the group can help her. However, she and the co-leader begin to talk about the problem of alcoholism, and Gemma cries while she talks about it. 3. When Bryan shares with the group that he wants to return to the pubs and clubs, Jimmy tells him that he had the same experience when he started treatment and that it was too soon to return to these places. Jimmy confirmed to Bryan it was better for him not to go to

these places, as the rest of the group recommended. 3 or more Interpersonal or Group Leadership Skills Used 1. Inviting/Drawing Out 2. Supporting, Mobilizing Support 3. Facilitating Self- Reflection/Insight 1. Leader Leighton and co-leader Beatty encouraged Gemma to express her frustration and why she believed the group could not help her. She cries and seems frustrated. Amber tells her she needs to open up to the group, but Gemma says she doesn't know how. Her leader expresses the group's support to help her, and she seems to consider it at the end of the session. 2. The group members perceive themselves willing to help and support their peers. They make recommendations, express their past experiences, and promote a safe and healthy environment in the session. 3. In the sessions, different peers brought their concerns to the group, and everyone shared recommendations, active listening, and hope. Jimmy and Gemma had moments of catharsis where they could also reflect on their behavior and receive support from the group. Group Process Observations of Two Interactions Interaction #1: Jimmy is shown to be vulnerable to the group. He reveals that he had not done it before because he felt ashamed and the group did not respect him. Interaction #2: Gemma doesn't reveal much about herself, which prevents the group from being able to help her. PROCESS COMMENTARY AND ANALYSIS #1: Jimmy expresses that he is ashamed of himself because he stole his mother's pain medication. He is perceived with a lot of guilt too. He had not spoken this to the group before because he believed that no one would accept and trust a person like him, but at the moment, he felt confident to express it openly. His peers, leader, and co-leader supported him. His peers told him that some also had secrets of this type and felt ashamed of these behaviors. In addition, the group expressed to Jimmy that he was brave enough to say something that made him ashamed. When the co-leader asked Jimmy what made him openly express himself to the group, he replied: “Maybe it's trusting a lot. I sort of trust them. Now you all know the real me”. The group shows their support and a peer tells him that the addict did these behaviors towards his mother but not by him as a person or son. Unlinking the person's negative behavior was an appropriate suggestion for this moment. #2: Gemma can't figure out how the group can help her. She has stated that she would like to be in individual therapy. Apparently, for Gemma, there is no point in being in the group. However, when the co-leader asks him some clarifying questions, such as: "When you were out there drinking and keeping people away, it's as if that's what you're doing here now with your group?" The peers express what they think concerning the fact that it seems that she was not there, that she does not open up to others, and that it is difficult to believe in others and speak at first because it is scary. The peers are empathetic towards Gemma, and Amber shows her support by saying she appreciates that she opens up a little more to the group. At the end of the session, Gemma is more receptive,