The document discusses guidelines for building an effective therapy group, including selecting appropriate members based on their ability to contribute positively and benefit from the group, clearly defining therapeutic goals, screening out those unable or unwilling to participate appropriately, and preparing new members for the group structure and process. It also outlines the typical stages of group development from initial inclusion to mature work and resolution, and qualities needed in effective group therapists.

1. Building a group
Selection
Will member make
Will member a positive
benefit? contribution to
others?

2. Therapuetic Goals
• Before starting a group it is imperative that
• The goal is clear to the leaders
• It is the goal and the understanding of the
etiology of problems that defines the group
format, duration and members

3. Exclusion
• Unwillingness or low motivation to participate
• Extremely high level of distress
• Non compliance with rules
• Incapacity for connection
• Cognitive limitations

4. Selection Methods
• Interviewing
• Brief exposure (difficult not utilized)
• Testing

5. Preparation of new members
Giving an accurate
picture of the group
Insuring that member
behavior is supportive
of the group goals

6. Group Structure
• Spatial characteristics (size, confidentiality
etc..)
• Time and length of the group (1.5-2 hrs
weekly) 12-20 weeks
• Size (5-12)

7. Stages of Group development
Stage One
Adaptation
Orientation
Initial Engagement
Inclusion

8. Stage two
Reactive phase--Control
Differentiation
Conflict and Confrontation

9. Stage Three
Togetherness
Commitment-Bonding-Cohesion
Attraction--Identification

10. Stage Four
Mature Work--Resolution
Productivity—Task Orientation
Cooperation

11. Stage Five
Termination
Farewell
Closure

12. The Group Therapist
• Belief in the modality
• Optimism
• Capacity for empathy
• Awareness of self
• Ability to deal with narcissism and shame
• Ability to be aware of multiple levels of
interaction
• Managing fear and anxiety