Group Therapy

Paper Summary:

This paper evaluates current research about group therapy, in particular the advantages and the disadvantages of having the same sex individuals in one single group. The writer examines the types of groups that exist for therapy, including those focused on a single issue, such as illness. The author discusses the goals of group therapy, which include creating and maintaining healthy relationships. The author concludes that group therapy is more positive when both sexes participate, as the purpose of group therapy is ultimately to train the patient for a future that will enable him to lead a normal and productive life in the outside world.

From the Paper:

"One case example can be studied to illustrate exactly how, when a member of the opposite sex joined a group of the same sex, in this case, a group of women, the entire tenor and the very tone of the group underwent a drastic change. The case is about a group of four women, with a woman group leader. These women found that they were able to share their feelings with openness and honesty, and that they were able to express a wide range of feelings amongst themselves. However, all the women would joke amongst themselves about when a man would enter the group, and when it was announced that a man would soon be joining their group, almost all the women immediately associated their feelings about the men in their lives, perhaps a violent boyfriend, or an abusive brother, or a chauvinistic father, with this man. (Alonso; Swiller, 1993)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Alonso, Anne; Swiller, Hillel I. (1993) "Group Therapy in Clinical practice" American Psychiatric Pub, Inc.
• "Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy or Social phobia, a treatment manual" Retrieved From http://www.cognitivetherapynyc.com/pdf/heimberg2.pdf Accessed 14 June, 2006
• "CTA, Group Therapy" Retrieved From http://www.cognitive-therapy-associates.com/therapy/group-therapy.php Accessed 14 June, 2006
• Earley, Jay. (2000) "Interactive Group Therapy, integrating interpersonal, action oriented, and psychodynamic approaches" Psychology Press (UK)
• Fehr, Scott Simon. (2003) "Introduction to Group Therapy, a Practical Guide" Haworth Press.

More papers on Group Therapy:

• Research Paper # 68978 : "Resistance Group Therapy"
• Analytical Essay # 121516 : "Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy"
• Analytical Essay # 122220 : "Group Therapy and the Leader"

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