1. Building a group
Selection
Will member make
Will member a positive
benefit? contribution to
others?

2. Therapuetic Goals
• Before starting a group it is imperative that
• The goal is clear to the leaders
• It is the goal and the understanding of the
etiology of problems that defines the group
format, duration and members

3. Exclusion
• Unwillingness or low motivation to participate
• Extremely high level of distress
• Non compliance with rules
• Incapacity for connection
• Cognitive limitations

4. Selection Methods
• Interviewing
• Brief exposure (difficult not utilized)
• Testing

5. Preparation of new members
Giving an accurate
picture of the group
Insuring that member
behavior is supportive
of the group goals

6. Group Structure
• Spatial characteristics (size, confidentiality
etc..)
• Time and length of the group (1.5-2 hrs
weekly) 12-20 weeks
• Size (5-12)

7. Stages of Group development
Stage One
Adaptation
Orientation
Initial Engagement
Inclusion

8. Stage two
Reactive phase--Control
Differentiation
Conflict and Confrontation

9. Stage Three
Togetherness
Commitment-Bonding-Cohesion
Attraction--Identification

10. Stage Four
Mature Work--Resolution
Productivity—Task Orientation
Cooperation

11. Stage Five
Termination
Farewell
Closure

12. The Group Therapist
• Belief in the modality
• Optimism
• Capacity for empathy
• Awareness of self
• Ability to deal with narcissism and shame
• Ability to be aware of multiple levels of
interaction
• Managing fear and anxiety