Page 240 - DEDU502_GUIDANCE_AND_COUNSELING_ENGLISH

Guidance and Counseling

Notes thinks of how she might try this same strategy with her husband. She can then try out this new
behavior by practicing with the men in the group.
• Less expensive: By treating several patients simultaneously, the therapist can reduce the usual
fee. In most cases the cost of group therapy is about one-third that of individual therapy.
• Improve social skills: Since so much of our daily interaction is with other people, many people
learn to improve their social skills in group therapy (even though such an issue may not be the
focus of the group). The group leader, a therapist, often helps people to learn to communicate
more clearly and effectively with one another in the group context. This is inevitably leads to
people learning new social skills which they can generalize and use in all of their relationships
with others.
Unlike individual therapy sessions, group therapy offers participants the opportunity to interact
with others with similar issues in a safe, supportive environment. Participants can try out new
behaviors, role play, and engage with others in not only receiving valuable feedback and insight
from other group members, but also in giving it.
Many people who have never tried group therapy before are frightened by the idea. Sharing intimate
information and details about one’s life (and problems) can be challenging enough to do with a
single therapist. To do so with six other strangers might seem overwhelming. For this reason, for
most people group therapy is usually not the first treatment option offered.
Most people who try group therapy do become comfortable and familiar with the process over a
short period of time (within a few weeks). There are clinicians and researchers who also claim that
the group psychotherapy process produces stronger and longer-lasting results for many people, as
compared to individual psychotherapy.
As the group members begin to feel more comfortable, you will be able to speak freely. The
psychological safety of the group will allow the expression of those feelings which are often difficult
to express outside of group. You will begin to ask for the support you need. You will be encouraged
tell people what you expect of them.
In a group, you probably will be most helped and satisfied if you talk about your feelings. It is
important to keep in mind that you are the one who determines how much you disclose in a group.
You will not be forced to tell you deepest and innermost thoughts.
Groups with greater than 12 participants should usually be avoided, as it becomes increasingly
difficult for people to attain sufficient time to make the group process work as effectively as it does
with smaller groups.

What is Genogram?

Self Assessment

1. Fill in the blanks :
(i) .................... is a process focussed on helping you heal and learn more constructive ways to
deal with the problems or issues in life.
(ii) .................... is focussed on increasing the person’s engagement in positive or socially
reinforcing activities.
(iii) .................... is the first stage of treatment under behavioural therapy.
(iv) .................... is based on the theory that what we think and feel towards others.

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