Problem:
Respond to this discussion
Understanding Group Therapy: Volume I-Outpatient Settings is an adjustment in outpatient group therapy, which is more process-focused and less practical. In the case of outpatient groups, it provides an opportunity to explore emotions, relationships, and behavioral patterns in greater depth. The video concentrates on the three dimensions of cohesion, trust, and continuity as the pillars of promoting therapeutic development (Yalom, n.d.a.). Unlike inpatient groups, outpatient therapy encourages reflection from members who are not in the circle and allows them to learn skills outside of group work. Group leaders facilitate comprehension, provide constructive feedback, and guide members toward personal accountability and long-term change. (Yalom, n.d.a).
An outpatient group therapy also enables members to form closer therapeutic relationships over time, which enhances insight and self-development. The ongoing attendance helps participants train and learn new coping skills, receive regular feedback, and observe changes in themselves and others. Such prolonged interaction is helpful to avoid relapses and to be responsible, and outpatient groups are a practical element of long-term mental health recovery.
Understanding Group Therapy: Volume II - Inpatient Settings is devoted to the composition and purpose of group therapy in inpatient psychiatric settings. One of the key concepts that can be identified is that group therapy, as a stabilizing and therapeutic tool, is utilized with acutely symptomatic patients. Inpatient group therapy is designed to support patients in areas such as safety, symptom management, and interpersonal learning during their hospital stay. Yalom emphasizes that a therapeutic process should be carefully designed, with rules and goals established to meet each individual's specific needs. (Yalom, n.d.b). The key players in boundary maintenance, group dynamics, and the enabling environment within which these leaders can operate with the least disruptive impact are the group leaders. (Yalom, n.d.b).
The therapeutic usefulness of universality and shared experience is the other important concept highlighted in the inpatient video. Patients tend to have a better experience when they learn that they are not alone and can mitigate their isolation and stigma. The significance of psychoeducation in inpatient groups is also present as Yalom encourages the former physician to remove his focus from the stroke and learning how to walk again, to allow him to speak about how he feels about his life since the stroke. Yalom also talks to the group about mental illness, coping, and treatment adherence. The limited inpatient stays period makes these teams short-term and goal-oriented; hence, goal-oriented interventions are required to yield positive results. (Yalom, n.d.b).
The need for flexibility and structure in a group setting is another essential aspect emphasized by Dr. Yalom. Given that patients usually present with varying levels of acuity, facilitators must strike a balance between consistency and flexibility to meet pressing clinical demands. Conflict can be defused, disruptive behaviors redirected, and a therapeutic environment with patient safety and emotional walling as priorities can be preserved with strong leadership during crisis management. (Yalom, n.d.b).
The population of interest that I hope to practice as a future Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is adults and youth with PTSD, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. In the treatment of a patient using group therapy, I would embrace cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and interpersonal process groups. Coping skills, motivational interviewing training, and mindfulness exercises help to manage symptoms and emotional regulation. It would further enhance the engagement and therapy outcomes with the addition of trauma-informed care and a nonjudgmental environment.
These approaches are congruent with inpatient stabilization and outpatient continuity of care, which support holistic mental health care. Gryesten et al. (2024) state that "group psychotherapy offers several advantages, including that patients can feel validated by other group members, observe and learn from one another, and receive social support within the group setting." Evidence-based group and individualized therapy will be used based on the patient's needs. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Gryesten, J. R., Poulsen, S., Moltu, C., Biering, E. B., Møller, K., & Arnfred, S. M. (2024). Patients' and Therapists' Experiences of Standardized Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Needs for a Personalized Approach. Administration and policy in mental health, 51(5), 617-633.
Yalom, I. (Director). (n.d.a). Understanding Group Psychotherapy-Volume I: Outpatients [Film]. Psychotherapy dot net.
Yalom, I. (Director). (n.d.b). Understanding Group Psychotherapy-Volume II: Inpatients [Film].