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
What I noticed is that I apply most of them but this one does stand out:
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.
Because I really like to encourge people and stay optimistic.
@niens
GLDD mentors: Richuyulin, blissfulForest7074 , 29Amy , HealingFox210 , AriadneLove, CaringHeart123
@niens That's a great trait! Not often can people be altruistic.
@Ninziesss
☺️I am inspired by you having this positive nature that gives people hope!
@ASilentObserver
I applied the factor of universality in Group Support Rooms by actively listening to members in the chatroom and sharing my own experiences too with them, reminding them that they aren't the only ones who are going through that problem.
@kindFish9215
It's really great when people can feel supported and like they aren't alone.
@kindFish9215 That is such a good initiative. Good luck!!
@kindFish9215 ☺️I also love this principal. Universality, I think, is the leading factor which allows us to feel not so alone in our struggles.
@FrenchToastClub
Asking questions really helps people to open up and share their experiences!
@ASilentObserver
I feel that I lean towards instilling hope in the discussions that I have had/hosted. People can share their parallel journeys and where they are at with recovery or in the process of dealing with some difficulties. Its great to point out to moments of courage and survival and give a sense that not all is lost, even if you've hit rock bottom.
While I don't intend to boast, a few members have said I have been a shining star in the night sky to them - a symbol of the light of hope in the darkness.
@LilyBlossom21
Being that light in the darkness for our members is important! It really highlights back to being there for everyone as a whole, which is where an awesome part of our group support rooms set in as a place for multiple people to come together as a group in the darkness and find their light.
@ASilentObserver
The one that resonates with me most is group cohesiveness. It's a feeling of belonging to a group and knowing that the people in it understand you. Really, I think about it most because I'm a part of a lot of groups on 7 cups and in the real world, and I feel like all of them both understand me and don't. People know a ton about me, but at the same time, that's only the tip of the iceberg. Like, you can be a part of a group and feel like you belong, and then next time, you feel like an outsider.
@Kpopcat2020
The feeling of belonging and that you have a solid group of people that understand you is critical for our growth on our mental health journey. Well said
@ASilentObserver
Share your experience of how you applied one of the Yalom Therapeutic Factors in the Group Support Room.
Universality.. was used, I and other members and listeners relayed our own stories and relation to their own needing support or help, we made sure they knew we have all been there if we "have" of course. and connected in a way to bring the community together, because no one is alone in anything. Sometimes we all or some of us have similar experiences and when members and listeners express this it shows the love and compassion.
@ASilentObserver
Discussion: Share your experience of how you applied one of the Yalom Therapeutic Factors in the Group Support Room.
I chose several, sorry! :D
Instills hope. As a constant lurker (I promise, I become a room participant soon after lol), I get the feel of a room or the tone of the discussion before I decide to join. When someone shares, I try to put myself in their shoes and acknowledge them and heart their statements. For example, the topic one time when I entered a room was overcoming work stress. I just recently dealt with burnout and bosses I'd rather spar with than report to ( :D ). Someone was sharing how it makes him feel anxious in the morning knowing he has to go to work. Another was telling the room about how much she wanted to just send in her resignation and just quit, but she has bills to pay and a family to support so she feels very frustrated that her hands are tied. What I did is I shared about the recent issue I had with my leads and what I did to deal with it. I made sure to make it sound like a suggestion and not a piece of advice as everyone knows themselves best <3
Universatility. The topic in the chat room then was loneliness (if I remember correctly). For some unknown reason, almost everyone including the room supporters and moderators wasn't having a great (or even a good) few days. Different reasons for each of us, but in the end, what brought us forward and helped us deal with our respective situations is the fact that we are all experiencing the same thing. Different timezones, different nationalities, different genders, different characters and personalities. Both positive and negative, all feelings are universal and it made us feel a little less alone.
Imparting information. Related to "instills hope" factor, when the situation calls for it or when I feel like someone can take some nuggets from what I can share and impart, I make sure to open up about it in the room. Again, I'm very conscious about my tone; sometimes, sharing comes off as invalidating someone's experiences. It's never intentional, but there are times when it's better to just acknowledge and just say "I understand how you feel, I've been there myself". That can also have the same effect :)
Imitative behavior. Alright, so this is embarrassing but let me share it anyway, lol! In one of the group chat rooms, I noticed one of the room supporters greeting everyone and commenting on their profile pictures. It was a very effective way of making people feel seen. So, every time I greet someone who comes in, I make sure to include a specific emoticon/emoji for them that I feel represents them. So my greeting goes like this: "Hi, (username)! This smiley is for you, I hope you like it! 😁"
Group cohesiveness. At the end of the day, we go to the chat rooms to feel connected. To feel like we're a part of something. To remind ourselves that we're moving towards a common goal. And that alone makes it so worth it to come back more.
@CosmicMiracle
I love that way of greeting people! What a beautiful way to make someone feel special and seen. I think I might imitate that idea in a Positivity/Gratitude Discussion - give each other an emoji instead of/aswell as a compliment! Thanks for the idea!
@CosmicMiracle
Put an emoji is definitely a great idea cosmic! 😁
I also often lurk in the rooms to feel the atmosphere before I said hi.
I think I joined one of your pop up session but I can't remember what was the topic.
@CosmicMiracle
Such a lovely way off greeting people - and including people. I love it 🙂💓
Tabby
@ASilentObserver
One of the favors I have used in the group environments is imparting information. I have found that sharing parts of my story, as well as strategies that have worked for me and others may find useful, has been one of the best ways (for me) to show that I can relate to what our members are going through.
@WingedSoul yes, I agree, sharing some part of your story helps members to see that they arent alone also makes them to be free to open up even more.
Hey hey! I enjoyed this post and found it very informative, I have not heard of them before but reflecting, I have found myself incorporating them into group chats and discussions. I think the ones present in a chat will depend on the structure and type of chat but also there is often a combination of these factors.
I think that imitative behavior is one that I have used and seen in chats often. In listener rooms, I have always looked up to different listeners for their expertise and knowledge. Whether it is by offering chat support, hosting a popup, or just hanging out in the community room you are always surrounded by some pretty incredible people. I have found that I and others look to improve ourselves and replicate their behavior and learn what the responsibilities are like when hosting. They inspire us to be better listeners and people. As well as I'm now stepping into chat support and hosting I find that others look for guidance and help from me.
In member rooms, I often can find this too. If someone shares and they are greeted with warmth and understanding, other people also model after wanting to share. Also, when someone comes into a discussion where other people are giving thoughtful and are engaged in the discussion, they will model the behavior of others in the room by participating in the discussion. I have also found when people are sharing their self-care or healthy habits with the group, there is more goal setting and action that I will do following that discussion. Overall, having imitative behavior as a therapeutic factor creates better listeners, better members, and a better community.
@Estrellitaa
I really love how you've described the imitation in the member rooms. I completely agree with you, it's like a snowball effect. It does have to be done gently though doesn't it. I mean, when you go into a room and people are (understandably) venting or ruminating it can be hard to turn that around. If you go in all bright and shiny it's going to be hard to connect. I like how you said that talking about your own coping mechanisms might help with that.
Imitative behavior, universality and instills hope - as one normally would, we enter chatrooms and observe the exchanges. I realized that just like me, the normal tone of someone's first few chats changes after a few exchanges. Our perspective is changed as we become part of the exchange, and usually what is changed is a sharing of hope and we imitate each other's manner of doing so.
