If this is you first time on my little website, you might not know that I'm a Certified Group Psychotherapist, and occasionally moonlight as a Professor of Group Process Therapy in Los Angeles. Before the pandemic I would fliy to New York three times a year to study Modern Group Process Therapy, and I've presented at the Annual Group Therapy Conference AGPA hosts. 

I'm a Groupie - a die hard group therapy fan.

This is the first technique or skill I teach students who take my group process class - and I'm thrilled to share it with you. 

Before we go there, lets get clear on what a process group is. Therapy groups come in a multitude of forms, each tailored to address specific needs and concerns

The Group Therapy Spectrum

I tend to put or see everything on. spectrum, so this isn't actually a real thing, but it does serve the point of showing you why a process group is different. 

At one end of the spectrum are social and recreational groups. These gatherings primarily focus on providing individuals with opportunities to engage in leisure activities and build casual social connections. Examples include hiking clubs, book clubs, or art classes. While these groups may offer some therapeutic benefits, their primary aim is social interaction and enjoyment.

Structured Therapy Groups - Psycho-Ed Groups

Moving towards the middle of the spectrum, we encounter structured therapy groups. These groups incorporate therapeutic elements into their format and typically have defined goals. Examples include support groups for individuals dealing with specific medical conditions or grief counseling groups. Structured therapy groups provide a balance between social support and targeted therapeutic interventions.

Process-Oriented Therapy Groups

At the far end of the spectrum are process-oriented therapy groups, such as interpersonal process groups. These groups place a strong emphasis on exploring the dynamics of interpersonal relationships and individual emotional experiences. Process-oriented groups aim to facilitate deep self-discovery and personal growth by delving into the complexities of human interaction.

The Significance of The Group Agreement

In therapy with adults, we have 'The Frame', ie sessions are 50 minutes, you meet once a week, you don't get much contact outside of the session and generally the client is going to do most of the talking. If any one of those things 'rules' or 'agreements' gets broken, you'd probably talk about it with the client. 

The role of the frame in process groups is extended into the group agreement, and it's value cannot be overstated. The agreement serves as the foundational framework for establishing a safe, respectful, and most importantly, give you the therapist, an incredibly productive therapeutic tool to drive your treatment. 

A group agreement, often referred to as a group contract, can be a formal document or just a set of verbalized guidelines - and preferably both. It informs group members about expectations and requires that participants in a therapy group collectively agree to adhere to the agreement.

AND WE KNOW THAT NO ONE WILL ADHERE TO THE AGREEMENT!!!  

(well, parts of the agreement hopefully they will keep the one about confidentiality)

Confidentiality: Participants are asked to maintain confidentiality regarding the shared experiences and personal stories of fellow group members. 

Punctuality and Attendance: Being on time and attending every group session is a fundamental aspect of group therapy -you can't run a successful process group if people show up whenever they want. This should be a requirement you screen for before letting anyone in the group.  Consistency ensures that the group dynamic remains stable and that every member can rely on each other's presence.

Fair Contribution: Group members commit to sharing their thoughts and feelings during sessions, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to participate and benefit from the group experience.

Use of Words: Encouraging members to turn their thoughts and feelings into words not actions is a vital element you will thank me for at some point in the future - particularly if you've got a very quiet group.

The Agreement as a Compass

It's helpful to think of the the group agreement as a compass rather than a set of rules. It guides the therapist through the uncharted waters of group therapy and allows you to find your north pole when you get lost. (I will work on that analogy, but there's something to it!)

When the agreement is breached which it will be constantly, it just gives the therapist an opportunity to ask , explore and PROCESS what's going on.

It actually covers all the worst-case scenarios I can think of.

The Group Member Who Talks All The Time

If someone hogs the group and does all of the talking, you can use the agreement to

• point out to the member they're not using their fair share of time and explore why that is,
• ask the group why they are not saying something to this member about taking up all the time.
• get curious about what the group is feeling about someone hogging all the time.
• get curious about what the group feels towards YOU about LETTING someone hog all the time.

The Group Member Who Is Always Late

If someone is late all the time - we have 'permission' (almost) to ask about it, to turn it into a process point, because any time the agreement is broken, we've got something to talk about (if you chose to, and if it's appropriate).

• Is Nicky late because of the traffic?
• Is Nicky late because she is mad at you?
• Is Nicky late because she hates the group?
• Is Nicky late because she's afraid of the group? 

Nicky is most likely in a group to work on her ability to speak what's on her mind, so this actually helps her if you think about it.

 The Benefits Of Group Therapy

Group therapy offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond what one might experience in individual therapy or self-help endeavors. In this chapter, we will delve into the specific advantages that make group therapy a powerful tool for personal growth and enhanced well-being.

Enhancing Communication Skills

Effective communication is a cornerstone of healthy relationships and personal development. Group therapy provides an ideal platform for honing these essential skills.

Active Listening

Participants in group therapy learn the art of active listening—paying close attention to others' thoughts and feelings without judgment. This skill not only improves relationships within the group but also enhances communication in daily life.

Expressing Thoughts and Feelings

Individuals often struggle to articulate their thoughts and emotions. Group therapy offers a safe space for practicing self-expression, helping participants become more adept at conveying their inner experiences.

Constructive Feedback

Group members offer constructive feedback, fostering an atmosphere of openness and learning. Receiving feedback from peers can be enlightening and lead to personal growth.

Developing Emotional Literacy

Emotional literacy, the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions, is a fundamental aspect of mental well-being. Group therapy contributes significantly to the development of this essential skill.

Identifying Emotions

In a group setting, individuals have the opportunity to identify and label their emotions. This self-awareness is a crucial step in emotional intelligence and self-regulation.

Managing Strong Emotions

Group therapy teaches participants how to manage intense emotions constructively. Rather than suppressing or reacting impulsively, they learn healthier ways to cope with feelings like anger, sadness, or anxiety.

Emotional Resilience

Through ongoing emotional exploration within the group, participants build emotional resilience. They become better equipped to handle life's challenges and bounce back from adversity.

Fostering Improved Relationships

The dynamics of group therapy mirror real-life interactions, making it an ideal training ground for improving interpersonal relationships.

Recognizing Diverse Perspectives

Within a group, individuals encounter diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and viewpoints. This exposure fosters tolerance, empathy, and an appreciation for the complexity of human relationships.

Conflict Resolution

Conflicts are a natural part of any group setting. Group therapy equips participants with conflict resolution skills, helping them navigate disagreements and find common ground.

Strengthening Empathy

Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a critical component of healthy relationships. Group therapy enhances this capacity, enabling individuals to connect on a deeper level.

Gaining Profound Insights

Perhaps one of the most compelling benefits of group therapy is the opportunity for profound self-discovery and personal growth.

Mirroring and Self-Reflection

The group acts as a mirror, reflecting back how individuals are perceived by others and how they perceive themselves. This self-reflection is invaluable for understanding behavior patterns and motivations.

Experimenting with Change

Armed with newfound insights, group members can experiment with new ways of thinking and relating to others. This experimentation often leads to more fulfilling and authentic interactions in their daily lives.

Deepening Self-Awareness

Through the ongoing process of sharing and introspection, participants deepen their self-awareness. This heightened self-knowledge empowers them to make conscious choices and live more fulfilling lives.

In the concluding chapter, we will reflect on the profound impact of group therapy and explore avenues for further personal growth and development.