NAME: OKWOR CECILIA AMARACHI
STUDENT REG. NO. 21J01DCPS008
DEPTMENT: COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY
COURSE TITTLE: GROUP THERAPY
COURSE CODE: PSY 302
LECTURER: DR. JANE NGURE
WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT
Introduction
The purpose of most therapist is to heal, or alleviate, symptoms of a concerning issue or
condition.
When clients come to therapy for the first time and there are asked what their goals are, the
most common answer in my experience is, “I want to feel better”. Of course, this is a valid
answer, however, the client needs to understand that therapy is an active process and we have
our role to play in it, to be actively engaged.
Different individuals have different perceptions of what can be expected of therapy.
However, there are five commonly named goals of therapy.
1. Facilitating behaviour change:
The goal of therapy is to bring about change in behaviour that will enable to the client to be
more productive. Goals can be measurable so that client can measure that program.
According to Rogers (1951) behaviour change is a necessary result of the therapeutic process
although specific behaviour receives little or no emphasis process.
2. To improve relationship
Many clients tend to have major problems relating to others due to poor self-image. Likewise
inadequate social skills cause individuals to act defensively in relationships. The therapist
would then strive to help the client improve the quality of their lives by developing more
effective interpersonal relationships.
3. To facilitate client’s potential
1
In therapy, helping individuals to cope with new situation and challenges is very vital. We
will investable run into difficulties in the process of growing up. Most of us do not
completely achieve all over our developmental tasks within a life time. All of the unique
expectations and requirements imposed on us by others will eventually lead to problem
learning coping patterns, however may not always work.
4. To promote decision making
The goal of therapy is to enable the individual to make critical decisions regarding alternative
courses of actions without outside influence. Therapy will help individuals obtain individuals
obtain information and to clarify emotional concern that may interfere with or be related to
the decision involved.
These individuals will acquire an understanding of their capabilities and interests. They will
also come to identifying emotions and attitudes that could influence their choice and
decisions.
5. To enhance potential and enrich self-development
Therapy helps individuals to cope with new situations and challenges. Therapy seeks to
maximize an individual freedom by giving him or her control over their environment while
analysis responsiveness and reach to the environment. Therapists will work to help people
learn how to overcome. Therapists will also assist to overcoming sexual dysfunction, drug
addiction, gambling and obesity as well as anxiety, shyness and depression.
Types of Group Therapy
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy that involves one or more therapist working with
several people at the same time. Groups can be small as three or four people, but group
therapy sessions often involve around eight to 12 individuals. The group can meet once ot
twice each week or more for an hour or two.
Group therapy can be categorized into different types depending on one’s mental health
condition as well as the clinical method used during the therapy. The most common types of
group therapy include:
i. Interpersonal groups
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Interpersonal group therapy focuses on one’s interpersonal relationships and social
interactions, including how much support one has from others and the impact these
relationships have on one’s mental health.
ii. Cognitive behavioural group therapy
This is the centre on identifying and changing inaccurate or distorted thinking patterns,
emotional responses, and behaviour.
iii. Psychoeducational groups
This type of group therapy focuses on educating clients about their disorders and ways of
coping often with them based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy.
iv. Skill development groups
This type of group therapy focuses on improving skills in people with mental disorders or
developmental disabilities.
v. Support groups
This group therapy provides a wide range of benefits for people with a variety of mental
health conditions as well as their loved ones.
Conclusion
Group therapy offers an alternative to individual therapy. In group therapy sessions, people
can meet others to share similar experiences.
REFFERENCES
Hofmann, S.G. (2013). The efficacy of cognitive behaviour therapy: A review of meta-
analysis. Cognitive Therapy and Research pp. 36 (5) 427-440.
Yalom, I. D., et al. (2005). The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, (5th ed.) New
York City, Ny: Basic Book/Hachette Book Group.
Timulak L., et al. (2018). A comparison of emotion-focused therapy and cognitive-
behavioural therapy in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder: study protocol for a
randomised control trial. [Link]
