Group Psychotherapy Ever since Joseph Pratt, M.D., a Boston physician, discovered in the early 1900’s that his tuberculosis patients improved faster when they shared their experiences and progress of recovery with each other, group psychotherapy has grown to be an accepted method of treatment, often the treatment of choice for a wide variety of problems. Most people who consider group psychotherapy have been in individual psychotherapy first and have an established relationship with a therapist. When it becomes clear that a psychotherapy client is looking for help with developing more satisfying relationships with people, be they spouses, romantic partners, children, co-workers, family or friends, group psychotherapy is an excellent way to accomplish this goal. As group members talk about their thoughts and feelings with each other, they begin to see patterns of behaviors and interactions emerge in the group much like the patterns in their lives outside group. With the contributions of each member’s perspectives, group members can learn more about what gets in the way of developing satisfying relationships, and learn new ways of relating more openly, honestly, and empathically. In addition to talking about difficulties with significant people in their lives, group members find help for many other issues, such as stress in the workplace, chronic pain, loss, anxiety, depression, family history and how it impinges on the present, addictions, and many other topics. One of the most beneficial aspects of group therapy is the opportunity to learn from others who have similar struggles. In addition, group members find they have valuable talents and insights that contribute to each other’s growth. The group’s ability to work together on shared problems can be one of the most satisfying experiences of therapy. Group psychotherapy is a form of treatment usually involving 5-10 members who meet weekly over an extended period of time, usually a year or more. Although group members may come from diverse backgrounds (single, divorced, married, with or without children, students, professionals, homemakers) with diverse needs, they have in common the desire to have healthier and more satisfying relationships with others. I bring 27 years of experience and training to my group psychotherapy work. From my early days as a graduate student working with groups of abusive parents, to my work with hospitalized and post-hospitalized adolescents, to my private practice groups for adults, I bring the teachings from all of my group members to my work. In addition to my group training at Northwestern University and The University of Texas at Austin, I have trained with the Center for Group Studies in New York City since 1996, and earned a Certificate in Modern Group Leadership in May, 2005. I have attended numerous workshops and seminars on the practice of group psychotherapy. I also teach and supervise other group therapists in Austin. For more information on group psychotherapy, visit the website of the American Group Psychotherapy Association at www.agpa.org. |
|