Inpatient group facilitation guide: staff development and processing, connecting body and brain

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to provide resources for staff development and inpatient group facilitation. The project begins with a literature review on the history and evolution of inpatient group therapy, therapeutic goals and expectations. The effects of patient transference, facilitator countertransference, attachment theory, and social engagement is examined with a focus on the body and brain connection and what it means to be traumainformed. Evidence-based theoretical approaches that provide safety and stabilization are described and integrated for group members and practitioners alike. Included is a description of the format of the guide, target audience, goals, and resources. Lastly, the resource guide itself contains a list of specialized staff training, short staff development sessions, and safety and stabilization techniques for acute care group therapy.