Fundamentals of Group Therapy
Program Description
The purpose of this all day program is to provide clinicians with theory and techniques
regarding group therapy. Much of the information would be relevant to any type of
support group, as well as more insight oriented psychotherapy groups. Both didactic and
experiential methods will be used during the workshop to teach fundamentals of group
work. The material will be relevant for both adult and adolescent groups.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Identify at least 4 of Yalom's therapeutic factors in group therapy.
Discuss 3 important issues in preparing clients for group.
Identify 2 different models of group development.
Describe the leader's tasks in each stage of development.
Describe at least 2 different interaction patterns in groups and their benefits and
drawbacks.
6. Describe at least one strategy for dealing with problematic clients in group, such
as involuntary clients, silent clients, monopolizers and scapegoats.
7. Identify issues related to conflict in groups and leader strategies for dealing with
conflict.
8. Describe how to utilize the “here and now” approach in group therapy.
Target Audience
Mental health, substance abuse, human service professionals and private practitioners
Contact Hours
5.5 hours
Program Agenda
9:00 - 12:00
Introduction and overview of group work
Review of Yalom's therapeutic factors in group
Planning and preparing clients for group
Group Dynamics
Stages of group development and leader tasks in each stage
1:00 - 4:00
Principles of programming
Dealing with conflict in group
Coping with problematic clients in group
Use of the “here and now” approach
Faculty
Marilyn Ghezzi, LCSW is a clinical social worker who worked as a therapist and
therapy supervisor in the public mental health system for 24 years. She is currently a
Clinical Assistant Professor at UNC -Chapel Hill School of Social Work and teaches
courses on mental health theory and practice, group work, brief treatment, trauma and
violence and many other mental health topics. Marilyn continues to practice as a clinical
social worker including providing clinical supervision to mental health professionals.
Marilyn also presents AHEC workshops on group work, working with severe and
persistently mentally ill adults, treating borderline personality disorder, clinical
supervision and DSM-5.