Posted by spoc on May 19, 2004, at 11:00:06
In reply to Re: about this therapist.... » karen_kay, posted by tabitha on May 19, 2004, at 0:49:19
Hi KK,
I'm that generally clueless one in regard to various therapies and aspects of them, and am actually not even sure what the spectrum of objectives is for group therapy. For example, in my oversimplified reasoning, I would have guessed that it often regards helping people relate to others, which I gather you do pretty well already. But I am likely exhibiting my cluelessness there (about the range of purposes for group, not your ability to relate to others!).
Anyway, "common sense" to the extent I have it would make it seem like he does have his own boundary issues. You say he is not very experienced in this. Could he be going in with a vision of what would constitute a productive, fulfilling session for himself and his appearance of having conducted a non-stop, purposeful one; more so than keeping in mind the moment to moment needs of individual members? (But maybe that is actually the same thing -- that what is good for him should be good for the group; I don't know of course.)
And it does seem like it would be unavoidable that member's thoughts about others would be influenced by the leader having something to say about them when they aren't present. I'm sure that it is important for him to gage member's feelings about what is going on with the others, but I'm confused as to why he would do more than state the facts of what is going on with one of them; and then let the feedback and interpretations develop on their own.
In group therapy, is one of the premises about learning to adapt to many different kinds of people, and/or learning that anyone can benefit from the experiences and perspective of any other? Here, my faulty common sense is again wondering how it is that any small combination of people whatsoever should ultimately be able to develop chemistry and be "useful" to each other.
Eeek, I don't follow the Psych board that much and hope I am correct in gathering that you and some other Babblers have hypothesized that this group isn't necessarily suited to you. Otherwise I apologize if I am being an unsupportive bummer! I may be completely missing the mark about what the purpose of your participation is supposed to be. But, I'm wishing you all the best in getting what you need from this, and deciding if it is right for you! :- )
poster:spoc
thread:348247
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040512/msgs/348556.html