The Role of Group Members in Facilitating Treatment

Abstract

The Experiencing Scales were applied to a small therapy group over fifteen sessions to determine the category levels of perception, emotion and insight from the expression of verbal interaction among all members. Analysis identified a gradual and positive increase in category levels, three periods of interaction describing group behavior, and measures of the quantity and quality of responses by individual members. The implications of these findings are discussed with a recommendation for further such analyses as a means of insight for therapists and group members leading to the possible generalizing of findings.

Empowering Through Psychodrama: A Qualitative Study at Domestic Violence Shelters

“…Group psychotherapy, in contrast, provides the participants with an experience of equality of status with the other participants and even with the therapist (Dreikurs, 1955 ). Unlike one-on-one therapy, in which there is only a single relationship between two people, the group is based on multiple relationships: member to group, member to member, group to leader, and leader to group (Riva et al, 2004 ; Stone, 2016 ). The interpersonal dimension—a group member's sense of acceptance and belonging; a personal allegiance and commitment to the group; and the trust, support, and compatibility felt among the group—plays a significant role in the therapeutic process that occurs in group settings (Wise and Nash, 2019 ).…”