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  3. Discussion 3: Group Development

Discussion 3: Group Development

Hope March 18th
Hi everyone! I hope you have been benefitting from our coursework. We’ve been talking about group building.  But, to stay on track is to develop the group you built and ensure the therapeutic factors are utilized effectively to maintain group support success.
There are two parts to this discussion:
  • Group Development
  • Therapeutic Factors
1. Group Development: It is identified that there are 4 stages of a group once built.
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Each stage has its own needs and goals that must be addressed as the group progresses through each stage. The role of the group facilitator and group members also changes as the group progresses.
All groups are progressive and unique. You cannot compare the development of the Relationship Support Room with Depression Support or any other chat room. Some groups would experience and gain a lot and some may not. That’s why the success of a group depends on how the leader leads & supports the group and how the group members participate.

2. Therapeutic Factors
To develop the group, therapeutic factors play a significant role. Dr. Irvin D. Yalom conducted research and outlined the key therapeutic principles derived from it.
  1. Instills hope: The group contains members at different stages of their struggles or challenges. And, seeing people who are coping or recovering gives hope to those at the beginning of the process. It is a reminder to them that they are not alone and they can also progress by taking the required steps.
  2. Universality: Being part of a group of people who have the same experiences helps people see that what they are going through is universal and that they are not alone. They develop a sense of belonging and a feeling of being part of the community.
  3. Imparting information: They can help each other by sharing information, and stories to develop a connection, and a healthy discussion.
  4. Altruism: They can share their strengths and help others in the group, which can boost self-esteem and confidence. It allows them to have the courage to take steps to progress.
  5. The corrective recapitulation of the primary family group: The group is a sort of family. Within the group, each member can explore how different experiences contributed to personality and behavioral changes. They can also learn to avoid behaviors that are destructive or unhelpful for them.
  6. Development of socialization techniques: The group setting is a great place to practice new behaviors. The setting is safe and supportive, allowing group members to experiment without the fear of failure. Develop a sense of accountability and celebrate small and big wins to boost confidence.
  7. Imitative behavior: Each individual can model the behavior of other members of the group or observe and imitate the behavior of the leader to develop the same qualities or skills to develop and grow.
  8. Interpersonal learning: By interacting regularly with other individuals of the group and receiving feedback from the group or the facilitator, members can become more self-aware and develop self-love and esteem as well.
  9. Group cohesiveness: As there is a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and community feeling.
  10. Existential factors: While interacting with the group and gaining support and feedback. They also learn they are responsible for their own lives, actions, and choices. They could progress by taking charge of it and making better decisions.
A therapeutic factor is an element of a group that potentially benefits one or more individuals in the group. A reminder that all therapeutic factors mentioned in this discussion shouldn’t be assumed to have the same impact on all but it should investigate their impact on different members of the group. Overall, it is helpful and keys for effective group development.

Question for reflection - Consider a personal experience you've had in a group setting (online or offline). How did the dynamics of the group and the presence (or absence) of therapeutic factors influence your own experience and growth within the group?

This post is part of the Group Dynamics Course's requirements. More information on the course can be found here. (Not yet launched)

17
pamharley003 August 3rd

@Hope

Question for reflection - Consider a personal experience you've had in a group setting (online or offline). How did the dynamics of the group and the presence (or absence) of therapeutic factors influence your own experience and growth within the group?

I have a group of friends going through similar things as myself. We all come together once a week over coffee some where that we an discussion our feelings about things, listen to their concerns and come up with a goal for them to maybe use and reach 
lovelyBlossom5344 October 15th

@Hope

Hello,

I participated in an online support group with a stress management theme. It was difficult to connect at first because everyone was so cautious and guarded throughout the formation stage. However, as we advanced through the phases, we gained mutual trust and the atmosphere changed to one that was more supportive and open. It was evident that as we progressed, our group's cohesiveness increased.

Universality struck a very strong therapeutic chord with me. Observing other people share hardships that I could relate to really strengthened my sense of community. Knowing that my experiences weren't unique and that other people could relate to me was comforting. This insight laid the groundwork for my personal progress inside the group and relieved some of my feelings of loneliness.

Altruism was also a major factor. As users started to share personal stories, offer guidance and support, I saw how empowering it was to be able to both give and receive assistance. Even in times of overwhelm, helping others boosted my self-esteem and served as a reminder of my abilities..

But there was a clear lack of some therapeutic elements, such as imitation behaviour. Learning from others was occasionally more difficult because not all members actively participated or assumed leadership responsibilities, even when some members set an example of helpful behaviour. In this instance, the facilitator's assistance became even more crucial as they helped us stay on task and encourage group engagement.overpowered.

Overall, I've come to understand that group members' participation and the facilitator's leadership are what truly determine how effective therapeutic elements are. Feeling connected, supported, and having an open space to communicate led directly to my own growth in that group, but it also served as a reminder of how crucial it is to strike a balance between giving and receiving in group settings.

Thanks for reading my reflection. I look forward to hearing about your experiences
delightfulUnicorn38 November 13th

@Hope

Question for reflection - Consider a personal experience you've had in a group setting (online or offline). How did the dynamics of the group and the presence (or absence) of therapeutic factors influence your own experience and growth within the group?

i have a lot of experience with support groups i think the important factor is the Development of socialization techniques when members act with compassion, kindness,  respect, and  empathy  that can help the group to continue and grow the second one is Imparting information when they share experiences, stories, add tips, opinions, suggestions   new insights with healthy discussions  that achieve the goal of the group .
InsightfulPhoenix November 14th

@Hope
I love that you have this reflection question <3 
Question for reflection - Consider a personal experience you've had in a group setting (online or offline). How did the dynamics of the group and the presence (or absence) of therapeutic factors influence your own experience and growth within the group?
I run a mental health fb group offline of 7cups. The group dynamics are in progress because it is still a building stone for those within my offline community. They all have their differences, thoughts and views. As team, we come together and vote on what should be updated as well as what mh topic to discuss for the following week. I feel that running that group offline has taught me how to be honest with myself, stand up for what I believe in and accept that not everyone has the same heart as me. Leadership is always about guiding not a title, so if someone can take a new way of thinking while being around me, or learn something new that they have never learned before then I am happy knowing I am doing the right thing.
CaringSub Sunday

@Hope

Question for reflection - Consider a personal experience you've had in a group setting (online or offline). How did the dynamics of the group and the presence (or absence) of therapeutic factors influence your own experience and growth within the group?

Backstory: I was heavily involved in supporting (as a peer volunteer).  one of the first Canadian LGBTQ NGO organization in western Canada, headed by  2 university educated  LGBTQ therapists in the early 1990s. Groups were arranged, depending on demand that came in on the 'phoneline' (yes, pre-internet).

Dynamics: Dynamics were presented in person, face to face, over the phone, as per the time. Then, there was a 'collective' approach, even if not everyone personally agreed. Most of the community, at the time, recognized to put aside differences to unite for greater strength. It provided a safer space to be, under scary times. Just seeing. acknowledged, safe space, info and resources are therapeutic.

Therapeutics: This group not only supported me through anti-LGBTQ  from family, government, others....it was a safe supportive space, where I not only grew as a person,make long term friends/connections,  but to a part of 'future Canadian history'(which is 'kinda' under scrutiny - unless we can STOP the MAGA wave. Speaking out is part of therapy. Rightly or wrongly.


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