BENEFITS OF GROUP THERAPY
Explain the benefits of therapy for the individuals related to the group format.
According to Yalom and Leszcz (2020), research on group therapy has shown that it is an effective form
of psychotherapy and its effectiveness is comparable to individual psychotherapy in providing
meaningful benefit for patients. Group therapy is a helpful method to address many intrapersonal and
interpersonal problems and can assist patients in making changes (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2018).
Additionally, group therapy can provide clients with a sense of community because often times clients
can feel isolated and believe their problems are unique; group therapy provides a space for clients to
see that others too may share similar issues and this can help them feel less alone (Corey et al., 2018).
The main objective of group therapy is to increase clients’ understanding of themselves and others and
to help clients understand the steps they can take to make meaningful changes in their lives (Corey et
al., 2018). A group therapy format provides clients with a safe environment in which they can test out
the changes they have made and then they are able to receive feedback from others regarding the
effects of their behavior (Corey et al., 2018). This results in clients learning how their behaviors affect
others (Corey et al., 2018).
References
Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2018). Groups: Process and practice (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Yalom, I. D. & Leszcz, M. (2020). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (6th ed.). Basic Books.
EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT
Discuss the impact of the environment external to your group on the progress of group members toward their goals.
Be sure to consider other therapies that are ongoing. In addition, be specific in regarding the effects of the
environment; discuss what changes you would make if you could, and why.
During group therapy, members may be influenced by external factors that can impact them progressing
towards their goals. External factors can include lack of support from family or friends, oppressive
circumstances, limited resources, or the threat of negative reactions from others (Corey, Corey, & Corey,
2018). Logistical reasons may also hinder clients from progressing towards their goals, such as
scheduling conflicts, moving out of the area, or other major life changes (Yalom & Leszcz, 2020). In order
to mitigate these types of external factors, during the initial screening session, therapists should inquire
about any pending major life changes (Yalom & Leszcz, 2020).
Other external factors that may impede on the group’s success include the physical environment in
which group therapy is held. Unfortunately, according to Corey et al. (2018), groups often fail because of
their physical setting. Group therapy should be held in a private area where clients will not be overheard
by others outside of the group (Corey et al., 2018). The proper setting for group therapy should be in a
private room that is not cluttered and is comfortable for multiple people to sit around in a circle so that
they can view all the members of the group and have enough room for movement (Corey et al., 2018).
Another external factor that can hinder a client’s progress towards meeting their goals in group therapy
includes external stress. When a client experiences external stress, such as marital troubles, losing a job,
loss of a family member or friend, or physical illness, they may find it difficult to be involved in group
therapy (Yalom & Leszcz, 2020).
