Discussion 03: Group Development & Therapeutic Factors
Please note: In order to successfully complete the program, you must respond to this post. Your comment/response should answer the questions/show that you completed the given activity (if any). Read the post carefully and implement the learning in the chat rooms. If you didn't participate in Discussion 02: Building a Group, then check here!
Welcome back, crew!! It is good to see you again to take another step to learn and progress! Keep going!!
We’ve been talking about group building in the last discussion. But, in order 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
Group Development: It is identified that there are 4 stages of a group once built.
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.
Second, 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.
- Instills hope: The group contains members at different stages of their struggle 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.
- 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 feeling of part of the community.
- Imparting information: They can help each other by sharing information, stories to develop a connection, and a healthy discussion.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 in order to develop and grow.
- 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.
- Group cohesiveness: As there is a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and community feeling.
- 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.
Discussion: Share your experience of how you applied one of the Yalom Therapeutic Factors in the Group Support Room.
Activity: Respond to at least two of your fellow trainees' comments with thoughts on their share.
After fulfilling the requirements of this post, please check out the next discussion here! Ensure to implement the learning from these discussions in the chat rooms to build and support the group. You must take part in the brainstorming/activities given in all of these discussions to successfully complete the program.
@ASilentObserver As a Chatroom Mentor, I often guided the development of the group in LSR. One crucial therapeutic factor, according to Yalom, was "Universality." By creating an environment where individuals could openly share their experiences and challenges, listeners realized they weren't alone in their struggles. This sense of universality contributed to building a supportive community where people felt understood and connected. It created a feeling of belonging and added to the overall cohesiveness of the group.
@ChillingRain
It is so awesome you are so involved with LSR development & its universality! LSR is a great place to find support on Listeners' journeys.
@ChillingRain
Interesting perspective. Didn't really think about it in that manner, as I associated LSR to be with imparting information factor, where listeners can turn to sharing information and resources.
@ChillingRain
As you describe LSR in this way, I can definitely see this as I've been in there. When I've been in there the last couple weeks, many of the same core members are in there, and the support given is as you've described. Thanks for bringing this up.
@ChillingRain
this is actually the value I find in the LSR and why I love it so much!
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: Share your experience of how you applied one of the Yalom Therapeutic Factors in the Group Support Room.
Group cohesiveness: As there is a common goal, members gain a sense of belonging and community feeling.
I have applied this in LGBTQ Group Room, Depression Group Room Positivity Room, providing a safe, supportive interaction with all members.
@ASilentObserver
In student support sub-com, I believe universality to be the most important factor.
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 feeling of part of the community.
I applied this by supporting members in the sub-com rooms and encouraging them to connect with each other when they run into each other in other chatrooms. Student life is tough, and there are many stressors associated. Reminding students they're not alone is quite important.
@Takitoteka
I like how your definition of Universitality - so encompassing!
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: Share your experience of how you applied one of the Yalom Therapeutic Factors in the Group Support Room.
I was in a group a couple days ago where the group had a mixture of members who were struggling with a common issue, and one member shared that they did not have that issue, but they used to. When asked how they were able to recover from that, they shared briefly about their recovery and gave words of encouragement to the group members to not give up the fight for healing. It was great to have the mixture of group with those currently struggling and those who were doing better and those recovered to provide hope that there is a way out. I see that this Instilled hope. As we were continuing this discussion, I asked them how they could cope with the challenges of the holiday and it also allowed for altruism in the group and their ability to share their strengths and coping skills.
I love this about supportive groups.
@KristenHR
i love when this happens in group settings. I gained most of my hope from support groups in my community and 7 cups and it’s great when I see members gaining hope from the experience of other members.
@ASilentObserver
I believe that I have utilized and seen all of these taking place in the chatrooms. The one that I have used the most is cohesiveness. I use this by trying to include everyone in the chat. By welcoming people into the chat room, using, icebreakers, and asking people how their day is going, I see a cohesive and all inclusive group chat.
@ASilentObserver
Share your experience of how you applied one of the Yalom Therapeutic Factors in the Group Support Room.