Analytic Group Psychotherapy with Children,Adolescents and Adults by S. R. Slavson

Abstract

A model of inpatient group psychotherapy that focuses on two frequently observed patient subgroups reflecting contrasting attitudes toward authority is presented. The counterdependent subgroup overly values autonomy, opposes unit restrictions, and rejects treatment. The dependent subgroup tends to accept the unit’s treatment and structure but is overly passive. In this model these attitudes are addressed in order to help patients adapt to the unit and to facilitate discharge. The author describes a three–stage group designed to help patients achieve these goals.     

Parents of the Handicapped Child: Facilitating Acceptance Through Group Counseling

All parents have an image of the way they would like their children to be. Often this expectation is contradicted by reality for the parents of a handicapped child. Whether at the time of birth when obvious differences are apparent or later when performance differences are recognized, the discrepancy between expectation and reality causes parents to experience a loss and accompanying feelings of grief. This article suggests that the method of group counseling using a relevant framework on which to base discussion is without equal as a means of assisting parents to deal with their situations. Presented to those who lead parent groups for these persons is an applicable model and guidelines for its implementation.     

Counseling the Children of Handicapped Parents

The children of the handicapped frequently need counseling to help them cope with the consequences of their parents' handicaps. Parental handicaps typically lead to modifications in parenting behavior and family structure that may be perceived as deficiencies. Kennedy and Bush discuss the child's reaction to parental handicap in the context of object loss and attachment. Evidence suggests that the children of the handicapped are overrepresented among those who are in some way maladjusted or in need of counseling. This article focuses on multiple sclerosis in parents, including its impact on children, suggested interventions, and a case study.     

Mentalizing in Parents after Traumatic Loss. Analysis of Couple Counseling

Abstract

The aim of the study is to explore whether bereaved parents’ capacity to mentalize is related to their progression through grieving and how it changes during couple therapy. The clients’ RF levels were assessed using the Reflective Functioning Scale and Psychotherapy Reflective Functioning Scale Manual. The content of the sessions was analyzed using Thematic Analysis. At the beginning of the therapy, concrete images of the child’s death were more frequent and the parents’ RF was lower than their general RF level. As the therapy progressed these images were gradually supplanted by more mental references to the deceased child.     

Intensive Group Psychotherapy by George R. Bach

Emotional insight, is essential in order for therapeutic change to take place. Profound resistances to experiencing expressing, and understanding emotions are present in group members, the group as a whole, and the group therapist. Reasons for the three types of resistances are described. Specific therapist attitudes and therapeutic techniques are suggested to understand and effectively work through resistances at individual, interpersonal, and whole-group levels. Examples are given from an ongoing therapy group to illustrate the processes of understanding and working through resistances. Resistances on the part of the group therapist are identified and their possible effects on the group's resistance are explored.     

A Test of Group Counseling

High school students were counseled in groups designed around either a “traditional” or an “accelerated interaction” format The efficiency of each approach in achieving the goals of guidance in education was studied. Group counseling appeared to be a useful counseling tool if organized on a weekly basis.     

Counseling Parents of Handicapped Children: An Empathic Approach

Counseling is often perceived as a process one reluctantly goes through when life's problems become too overwhelming to handle alone. One such situation frequently occurs when parents become aware that they have a handicapped child. Prescott and Hulnick hold that essentially all of life's experience, including parenting a handicapped child, can be perceived as an opportunity for personal growth. Given this orientation, the truly empathic counselor assists parents in learning the skills and attitudes needed to deal effectively with their child and to learn to transform their own pain into caring and love.     

Expression of Feelings in Group Counseling

70 high school students in 9 counseling groups were administered outcome instruments for self-evaluation and evaluation by peers. Interaction in counseling was classified according to underlying feeling early and late in the series of 12 sessions. Tests of 6 hypotheses relating feeling changes occurring during counseling to counseling outcomes showed 2 results significant at the .05 level. Change in feeling seemed to correlate more with evaluation by peers than with self-evaluation. The 9 groups were found to differ widely in type and amount of affective interaction. Methodological problems were considered. Discussion focused on implications for counseling practice and on relationships to published research.