The process-observer in group therapy

This case study describes the inclusion of a nonverbal, trained process-observer into therapy groups for parents having severely disturbed family systems. The observer remained nonverbal during the sessions while taking notes to be used in writing a one-page clinical summary, which was mailed to each group member. The process-observer was included to improve the clients' initial involvement in dealing with personal problems and as a catalyst for group development. Among the important functions of the written summaries were: reduction of initial anxiety, focusing the group on important issues, enhancement of continuity across sessions, and promoting therapeutic work between sessions. The observer was also valuable in providing feedback to the therapists. Specific guidelines for the use of a process-observer are provided.