NRNP 6645 Week 3 Assignment: Analyzing Group Techniques
Week 3: Assignment
Group for Schizophrenia
Tita
College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University
NRNP 6645: Psychotherapy with Multiple Modalities
Dr.
September 18, 2022
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
Introduction
A group leader guides the patients toward decisions that are safe, fulfilling, and healthy
without projecting their own personal moral values or judgments onto group members. The
leader creates a welcoming environment for group participants. The leaders are compassionate
communicators who use active listening skills to interpret the needs and feelings of clients in the
group (Wahlig, 2018). The leader differentiates strategies in response to the needs of a particular
group. The leader does not become angry with clients when they are disrespectful or combative.
Group Therapy Techniques
Before promoting group discussion, the leader which is the therapist should remind the
group of the ground rules for acceptable and unacceptable conduct to establish a safe
environment (Wahlig, 2018). The group will meet in a room where the chairs are arranged in a
large circle so that members can see everyone in the group. Group sessions can begin with each
of the members introducing themselves and sharing reasons why they are in the group or sharing
their experiences and progress since the last meeting. They are reminded about the
confidentiality of what is being shared and being respectful to each member (Cherry, 2022). The
schizophrenia group leaders made each patient share their experiences and progress in using
coping skills discussed the previous week. This technique was well demonstrated because
everyone in the group states how they used different coping skills to help calm themself in
difficult situations. One reported having anxiety while talking to her neighbor and used breathing
techniques to calm herself, and when she felt the situation is more than she could handle, she
excused herself and went back in the house. One of the patients reports he smoked pots to help
calm himself. Another spoke about using music techniques to calm herself which worked out for
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
her during the time she was having difficulty with her cat. The technique allowed everyone in the
group to contribute their experience in different ways they used in coping with situations.
The leader was able to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people look at how they
think and behave, identify areas that are problematic or unhealthy, and begin to change thoughts
and actions into healthier responses. It teaches the patients to see situations, thoughts, feelings,
emotions, and actions individually so that the patients can notice unhealthy patterns. It also
teaches coping skills and helps one set and achieve goals, both in therapy and in day-to-day
life (Chapple, 2022).
I personally think the section was well handled by the therapist when one of
the patients reported smoking pot as his coping skill to help him feel comfortable during
difficult periods. The therapist acknowledges the patient for identifying the use of coping
skills but states smoking pot is not a better choice. The idea of having 2 therapists during the
session, will allow the other therapist to hammer on things that were not mentioned by the other
therapist. The therapist also set up agenda for the coming week and instructed all to participate.
What I Gained Watching the Group Session
The leader asked each patient to express their fear and the strategy used to overcome their
fear. By listening to different strategies used, members of the group will know that they are not
the only ones passing the same difficulties. Members of the group may want to try another
strategy that another member had used that had worked. Also, the presence of a meditation
specialist will help the individuals in the group create connections with others. It will help each
individual feel at peace, comfortable, supported, and safe (“Benefits of Group Medication,”
n.d.). Following up with patients to know how they are hoping by calling each member once a
week, I find this very impressive. It is very important for the therapist to know if any of the
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
individuals are facing difficulties.
What I Would Have Handled Differently
What I may do differently as a therapist, first thing is to remind the members about the rules
of the group: confidentiality, not coming to the group under the influence of substances,
respecting time, not cutting others off, and give other members a chance to speak. The rules will
be clear and written so everyone can see. I will instruct everyone to introduce themselves and
give few minutes for the groups to interact with each other. I will notify the group about the
week agender and then begin with a relaxation exercise, like yoga or performing breathing
exercises. Evidence from randomized controlled trials on group cognitive behavioral therapy,
group social skills training, group music therapy, and group psychoeducation suggest that group
psychotherapeutic treatments with different therapeutic orientations can be effective in
improving several clinical outcomes for people with schizophrenia (Orfanos et al., 2015).
I will receive feedback from each member in the group on how they feel about the group.
Therapists are more diligent and mindful of the treatment they provide and the environment they
create in conducting group therapy. Obtaining group feedback can improve treatment outcomes,
which can increase the ability of patients to reach their treatment goals. Group feedback makes it
easier for therapists to track the efficacy of treatment interventions. Knowing clients’ perceptions
provides therapists with concrete data to assess which treatment interventions are not working or
working. Additionally, group feedback provides context as to why certain interventions fail to
meet expectations (Wadswort, 2022).
How to Handle Difficult Situation with a Disruptive Group Member
As a leader, I will not allow one member to speak or behave disrespectfully or abusively.
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
Based on the ethical principle to do no harm, I will balance shielding others from harm in a way
that is still respectful and therapeutic to the difficult member so as not to create more trouble. In
the case of a patient who talks too much and does not give the others the chance to speak, I will
say sorry to interrupt but we are close to the end of the session and others may still need a chance
to share their thoughts (Dakota, 2019). Another way to address a difficult member is to
comfort them when they are not in the group. This gives me the opportunity to address the issue.
I can even recommend that the individual seek individual counseling in exceptional situations.
Although this isn’t always an option, especially when I need to intervene immediately during a
session as with the issues of safety discussed above (Dakota, 2019).
Different Phases of Group Therapy
Form: Everything in this stage is new, forming and developing effective relationships. Learning
to work together and share common goals. Helping the group function and identify appropriate
behavior and feelings of initial attachment to the team.
Storm: Members have emotional responses to the task demanded, and they perceived
requirements for self-change and self-denial. Disunity increases tension and jealousy.
Norm: Harmony is the maximum importance, and conflicts are avoided to ensure harmony.
Perform: This stage involves diagnosing and solving problems and making decisions. The stage
promotes openness, understanding, and mutual trust. Group therapy has many benefits such as
the ability to relate to others and create a support network. Sharing experiences in group sessions
contributes to part of the healing process and overcoming obstacles. The sessions are confidential
and cost-effective treatment options (“pros and cons of group psychotherapy,” 2022).
The negative aspect involves less personal attention: being unable to say as much as one needs
and receiving detailed input compared to an individual meeting. Unable to attend group due to
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
work or family commitments. Chances of individuals dropping out and meetings being canceled
by the therapist due to other reasons (“pros and cons of group psychotherapy,” 2022).
Conclusion
Group therapy can potentially address some of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia that
antipsychotic medication alone likely cannot. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in anxiety
disorders, relationship problems, drug or alcohol abuse eating disorders and mental health
conditions like schizophrenia disorder (Chapple, 2022).
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
References
Wahlig, H. (2018). Leadership skills and strategies for group counseling. Career
Trend. https://careertrend.com/info-7840061-leadership-skills-strategies-group-counseling.html
Cherry, K. (2022). How group therapy
works. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-group-therapy-2795760
Orfanos, S., Banks, C., & Priebe, S. (2015). Are Group Psychotherapeutic Treatments Effective
for Patients with Schizophrenia? A Systematic Review and Meta-
Analysis. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 84(4), 241–
249. https://doi.org/10.1159/000377705
Benefits of group meditation. (n.d.). Nymphaeum Life.
https://www.nymphaeumlife.com/index.php/meditation/benefits-group-meditation/
Chapple, R. (2022). 8 Different Types of Therapy for Schizophrenia. Talk Space Mental Health
Condition. https://www.talkspace.com/mental-health/conditions/schizophrenia/therapy-
treatment-types/
Beever, G. (2019). Forming, storming, norming and performing – Tuckman’s model of group
development. Extension Practice. https://extensionaus.com.au/extension-practice/forming-
storming-norming-and-performing-tuckmans-model-of-group-development/
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
The pros and cons of group psychotherapy. (2022). Better Help.
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/psychotherapy/the-pros-and-cons-of-group-psychotherapy/
This study source was downloaded by 100000821048274 from CourseHero.com on 12-14-2022 23:45:34 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/ Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)
https://www.coursehero.com/file/170658006/Walden-wk-3-class-n6645-ass-usedocx/
http://www.tcpdf.org
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.