Training 1: Group Dynamics
This class focuses on facilitating a productive therapy group by exhibiting confidence in the topic and facilitation skills. Informed treatment techniques and modern approaches to group therapy will be presented. This training will assist with productive and effective group therapy.
Current research has proven humans are biologically relational at our core. Attachment issues are becoming more and more evident, they are connected to mental health disorders that drive clients to seek out help. The group therapy setting is powerful in the treatment of substance use, depression, mood disorders, trauma and many others.
Objectives
- Analyze the core principles of popular modern theories, methods, and approaches in group psychotherapy, such as Modern Psychoanalytic, Systems-Centered Therapy, Expressive, and Cognitive-based models.
- Apply neuroscience understanding of human attunement, Polyvagal Theory, interpersonal neurobiology, and the whole-person approach to the practice of group therapy.
- Evaluate the benefits and challenges of the group therapy modality to increase effectiveness and encourage institutional understanding and support.
- Critique various types of groups and their aims and functions in order to select appropriate group structure, topic choice, and membership to enhance client engagement and reduce adverse outcomes.
- Consider various stages of group development, including the creation of subgroups, “leveling out”, synergizing, and identification of termination needs and practices, to promote participation and growth at each phase.
- Test traditional paradigms regarding the value of silence, resistance, and degrees of empathy in group interactions.
- Explore the ethics involved in group therapy, including HIPAA/confidentiality, facilitator role, dual-relationship issues and more.
- Assess your leadership style, orientation, approach, and methods of self-care to boost leader engagement, and reduce burn-out.
- Practice transference, countertransference, immediacy, bridging, reciprocity, and other group-related experiences to increase group connections and build intimacy.
- Utilize new skills in addressing microaggression, resistance, and other threats to vertical and horizontal group cohesion.
- Connect group modalities and their issues as they apply to children, adolescents, adults, and special populations.
- Create a plan for effective evaluation of group progress and responsive modification.