"STEREO-EFFECT" Of Group Psychotherapy, Or What Is It Generally Eaten With?

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

So, why do we need a group for reasonable, mentally healthy, sane people?

Well, plus or minus a psychotherapist, it is clear: how and why to use it. He will listen patiently, regret it. It will allow you to be angry with your mother or husband. Cheer up. And maybe even become a close person to you and a support in those places of your experience where you were usually always alone. It may even be a long-term, productive and fulfilling working alliance that will greatly improve certain areas of your life.

It is more or less clear here.

Well, what about the group?

Why should a person go to a psychotherapeutic group of the same living, not very perfect, maybe not successful in everything, or injured by something (someone), or tired and wanting to understand themselves and their lives?

Of course, almost any request can be worked out with a psychotherapist in personal therapy. However, group psychotherapy has one very striking special value that distinguishes it from "personal". This is her "stereo effect" so to speak.

When a client has adapted a little to a new group of the group and is ready to present himself and his request for therapy, in addition to the presence and involvement of the therapist, he receives feedback from several more disinterested DIFFERENT people who are not connected with him by family, work, friendships and other "bonds".

That is, the client of the group receives a multidimensional and rather objective reflection of his problem and his experiences. Of course, he can choose for himself - which of the responses resonate more, which less, and which does not respond at all.

For example, when a person is in dire need of support, the group can suddenly become a very valuable resource of warmth and support, wrapping it up like a blanket and giving you as much as you never thought you could carry. And in the case when someone has been trying to figure out bad luck on the personal front for a long time and to no avail, sometimes something in a group, or an honest feedback from one of the group members, finally serves as that missing puzzle, or a long-awaited magic pendel. It often happens so - who needs what, the way from Pandora's box, the group issues.

And also the "stereo effect" of the group can be used for field training.

It's somehow uncomfortable for you always in the company of your mother-in-law. But it’s impossible to send it home directly - it’s scary - shameful - sorry, etc., but she does not understand the hints. Where can you find and work out the optimal strategy and tactics of behavior? Of course in the group! Surely, some of the participants already have a similar experience, and he wants to share it with you. Or you want to find your own unique handwriting, and the group will send you responses to your bold or timid experiments. They did not quarrel with the mother-in-law, but sharpened the claws; steam was released; you have outlined a strategy, received more inner freedom, or support - which is more necessary for you. The beauty!

And most importantly, you will learn other people's stories, someone will recognize yours, which means: your life experience becomes fuller - because you share it with other people. The group disposes to live and manifest in it freer from the conventions that exist in any relationship that is important to us. After all, even a friend who knows your husband well cannot always tell everything. And the group can.

The group is a confidential event. At the very beginning, this is spoken out and all participants, including the presenters, undertake not to leave the personal details that were voiced here outside the group. This is the basic security of the group that everyone usually respects. This also includes the rule - to express your feelings only in words. It is advisable not to be in close relations with any of the group members, especially with the presenters. Exceptions are sometimes therapist-client relationship, but your therapist needs to be able to handle this correctly. There are also rules that a group, as a separate organism, can develop within itself: for example, it happens that a group refuses to accept back a participant who has missed many meetings in a row. But any member of the group can negotiate with her.

Leaders monitor safety, maintain the workflow, work as therapists and coordinate the life of the group in such a way that each of its members has an equal opportunity to manifest and gain new experiences.

Benefit: direct and tangible! Group therapy is often always cheaper than personal therapy. Since both involve a long visit, if you choose between group and personal therapy - here's a plus for the first. Of course, combining is very effective, but it's up to you.

Of the "dangers" that await group beginners:

On the one hand, the space of the group is at first risky because of its unknown and unfamiliarity. On the other hand, it quickly becomes clear that it is much safer here than in real life, since the presenters constantly monitor compliance with regulations, boundaries and rules. Often times, a group can scare a member with its opportunity to gain new experiences. Since any new opportunity - even a highly coveted one - contains a certain amount of risk, the group's novelty and the potential for new and unknown experiences can cause anxiety. Especially if you are a person who is not very good at expressing yourself openly in public. The good news is that we are all not very good at something, and if you look, you will definitely find a couple of like-minded people nearby. And with this, just like with your other difficulties, you can work in a group, gaining relief, new experience and getting rid of fears.

You just need to allow yourself to take a little risk.