Human-ServiceGroup counseling
In groups clients (approximatly 4-8 people) share their experiences with each other relating to a specific topic. These sessions may be longer than in individual counseling up to 90 minutes.
Group settings may appear less intimate, but it is not a second-rate treatment - in fact it is the best approach for some problems. The experience of discovering one is not alone, and of being able to help other people, is powerfully encouraging and is often the first step towards getting better.
How do groups work?
The number of sessions depends upon the group's makeup, goals, and setting. Some are time limited known to all members at the beginning. Others are indeterminate, and the group and/or MH counselor determines when the group is ready to disband. Membership may be closed or open to new members. The therapeutic approach used usually depends on both the focus of the group and the therapist's orientation.
In group therapy sessions, members are encouraged to discuss the issues that brought them into therapy openly and honestly. The counselor works to create an atmosphere of trust and acceptance that encourages members to support one another. Ground rules may be set at the beginning, such as maintaining confidentiality of group discussions, and restricting social contact among members outside the group.
The counselor facilitates the group process, that is, the effective functioning of the group, and guides individuals in self-discovery. Depending upon the group's goals sessions may be either highly structured or fluid and relatively undirected. Typically, the facilitator steers a middle course, providing direction when the group gets off track, yet letting members set their own agenda. The counselor may guide the group by reinforcing the positive behaviors they engage in. For example, if one member shows empathy and supportive listening to another, the facilitator might compliment that member and explain the value of that behavior to the group. In almost all group therapy situations, the therapist will emphasize the commonalities among members to install a sense of group identity.
How does group counseling help? It could giude people to:
- understand the behaviors, emotions, and ideas that contribute to the condition.
- understand and identify life problems or events (such as a major illness, a death in the family, a loss of a job or a divorce) that contribute to their illness and help them understand which aspects of those problems they may be able to solve or improve.
- regain a sense of control and pleasure in life.
- learn coping techniques and problem-solving skills.