Assignment task:
Read the discussion question and classmate's response. Reply to classmate in one brief yet well developed paragraph using references from 2022-2025 to support/explain and ask a relevant question to further the conversation. Cite and reference in APA 7th edition format:
Discussion Question -
How might a group member demonstrate resistive or difficult behavior within a group setting? How might you work in a therapeutic way with such a member's behavior? Provide examples. Need Assignment Help?
Classmate -
Group members can display resistance using a variety of behaviors such as monopolizing the conversation, being quiet, digressing with unimportant details in stories, asking questions to distract others, and acting in hostility and conflict (Corey et al., 2022). During the transition stage, members often test the leader and are in conflict between "taking it easy" and "participating genuinely," so they will express various degrees of anxiety as their defenses begin to form.
Working in therapy with resistance requires finding a balance of safety and a challenge. Leaders teach members to recognize and honor their own defenses rather than rate them as problem behaviors (Corey et al., 2022). Understanding resistance through principles of group cooperation offers clarity on why members struggle to engage and fully participate (Parks, 2021).
For example, if a client is engaged in a lengthy retelling about someone else, I might say when it seems appropriate, "Jesscia, you've shared a lot about what others did. I'm wondering what this situation brings up for you: What were your feelings?" This provides the opportunity to redirect her focus on her experience rather than shame the defensive behavior. If a client is using humor to deflect when bordering on vulnerability, I can use a similar strategy, such as, "I notice you lighten things up when we are in a heavier space. What makes it hard to sit with the hard feelings?" The response honors the function of the protectiveness while encouraging deeper engagement.
References:
Corey, M. S., Corey, G., & Corey, C. (2022). Groups: Process and practice [10th ed. or whatever your edition is]. Cengage Learning.
Parks, C. D. (2021). Principles of cooperation: Implications for group psychotherapy. In The psychology of groups: The intersection of social psychology and psychotherapy research.
Steen, S., Vannatta, R., & Ieva, K. (2022). Introduction to group counseling: A culturally sustaining and inclusive framework. Springer Publishing Company.