Current and Future Challenges in Group Therapy

Terrified of Group Therapy: Investigating Obstacles to Entering or Leading Groups

Despite substantial evidence that group therapy is effective, many individuals are reluctant to join groups, and clinicians are reluctant to refer patients to them or to lead a group themselves. This article investigates the obstacles to participation in group therapy. It focuses primarily on the deeply personal elements of this hesitation for potential group members, which include social anxiety, fear of anger from other group members, dread of experiencing shame or humiliation, and desire for individual attention. Clinicians, as well, are reluctant to lead groups, because they feel insufficiently trained and may fear the experience of inadequacy, shame, and humiliation. These obstacles to participation are often driven by powerful components of transference and countertransference.

Differences that Make a Difference: Diversity and the Process Group Leader

Traditional group therapy often does not directly address how group leaders can work with oppression and marginalization that occurs between group members. Many group psychotherapists believe that attention to social justice concerns is not within their roles as group leaders and, consequently, may not address issues of member oppression and marginalization. Conflict emerging out of cultural differences can have far-reaching consequences if not accurately identified and effectively managed by group leaders. The purpose of this article is to provide an understanding of factors that contribute to group leaders fostering a climate that facilitates an exploration of cultural issues, along with clinical examples illustrating diversity-related issues that may arise.