Therapeutic Groups- Open groupo New members may joino Members may leave at any timeo New members are at a disadvantageo Advantage of this type is that group can continue- Closed groupo Members join at one timeo There are no replacement memberso Group is more cohesiveo Group is more likely to dissolve when members drop out- Smallo Eight to 10 peopleo Cohesiveo Fewer subgroupso Richer interpersonal interactionso Led by one- Largeo > 10 memberso Can be therapeutico More cost-effectiveo Open-ended, ongoingo Avoid intense transference and countertransference- Group Development 1. Initial / Orientation Phaseo Honeymoono Conflict o High anxietyo Superficial interactionso Testing the therapisto Leader sets the atmosphere and states the purpose of groups, the members get to knoweach other and often give advice2. Working Phaseo Develop rules, ritualso Identify the problemo Begin problem solvingo Leader encourages cooperation and members start working together3. Mature Phaseo Group realizes its purpose and works on goalso Develops a sense of “we”o Leader keeps group focused on therapeutic goals, members accept each other and worktogether to accomplish individual goals4. Terminationo Evaluation of experienceo Members grieve for loss of the groupo Reestablish themselves as individualso Leader acknowledges each contribution of each member, and members prepare for separation and the future- Leadership styles o Autocratic leader Exerts control  Not much interaction between group members Ex. Community meeting group Teaches o Democratic leader Supports extensive group interaction & problem solving Ex. Psychotherapy groups  Ex. Psychoeducational groupso Laissez-faire leader Does not attempt to control interactions Ex. Activity group Makes sure thing don’t get out of control- Use circle seating without barriers (tables)- Rectangular tables tend to promote positions of power at the end of the table- Classroom seating prevents effective interactions- No one should sit outside the circle- Members who sit closest to the leader are more likely to have more power- Group should be held in a quiet, pleasant room with adequate space and privacy- Large rooms inhibit communication- Avoid eating during group- Types of Groups o Psychoeducational groups – time-limited Teaching groups Medication Sexuality Health livingo Psychotherapy groups – time-limited or open-ended Cognitive-behavioral Psychodynamic Solution-focused brief therapyo Spirituality groupso Therapeutic milieu groups Recreational  Physical activity Social skillso Supportive therapy groupso Self-help