Words Of Wisdom For Group Therapy?

[Purplemunchkin]

Hubby had 20 session of 'general' CBT about a year ago, and has now been given a place in a weekly group therapy session which starts tomorrow.

As the title says, I just wondered whether anyone had any words of wisdom for him relating to group therapy?

Thanks x

 

[moonbeam]

I did group sessions. I think my nerves were the worst part.

The group will usually start the session with a review of the ground rules. Its usually stuff like be respectful, turn off mobile, protect privacy and don't share stuff outside the group that other people have said. my group had group suggested rules like no rescuing if you see someone struggling with difficult emotions let them so they can try to learn to cope and move forward rescuing them leaves them stuck. They might have policies on if you can be friend soutside the group or not. We werenw supposed to because if we become friends than have issues outside the group or whatever it would affect the ability to feel safe.

Ours had a brief introduction at the start but we weren't expected to share everything at the first session.

If that helps any. I would just say to try to relax and if he feels its too much too fast to tell the group facilitator. Yes the group deals with difficult stuff but within a safe environment and if it feels unsafe he should let them know that.

 

[Deleted member 20280]

I have been taking group therapy through the Military for 6 months now. As @moonbeam stated above, our sessions started with a ground rules, respect each others privacy so on as above.

I find group work for me in particular beneficial.

Laurie

 

[Purplemunchkin]

Thanks for your quick responses UK peeps.

He hasn't really been told much about what to expect, and I think he will feel a bit less anxious if he has an idea what to expect, so I will pass on what you have mentioned.

Thanks again x

 

[Changing4Best]

I had trouble with it at first because I am an outspoken and talkative person. Apparently, I always took the first spot speaking in the group and this perturbed some folks, who would not say anything, but they got up and left until I finished speaking, then returned. I only found out what the trouble was months down the route, so these "enemies" made it very uncomfortable for me to be there. Also, I was used to one on one sessions and so I was used to speaking for longer periods of time than everyone else and again, did not realize that I was making this mistake. The group leader never corrected me, I only picked up on it by an overheard conversation.

I found a therapist that would see me and that took my medical plan AND WAS WILLING FOR ME TO PAY HALF THE CO-PAY [caps for emphasis]. (I am poor). I am pleased with this arrangement and only need to see her once a month unless an emergency comes up, in which case she is my Facebook friend and I have her email. I also have her office phone and even her home phone. She gave that last to me once, when I had a crisis. I have never misused it, only calling her that one time. She is very helpful.

 

[KwanYingirl]

I was in a support group of women sexually abused. The facilitator did not run the group well. One totally whacked out, abusive member hijacked every meeting. She was a pain in the ass. It was worthless.

 

[Purplemunchkin]

So it sounds like having a good co-ordinator is vital.

Fingers crossed hubby's group goes a bit better than the ones @SheilaKathy or @KwanYingirl went to!

Thanks again for your comments x