Problem:
Stigma and disclosure concerns (Group CBT). In group CBT, clients often hesitate to share deeply personal information due to fears of peer judgment or confidentiality breaches, which can weaken key CBT processes such as precisely identifying automatic thoughts for restructuring. Research highlights that stigma is a major barrier, especially early on; without strong group norms and cohesion, participants may speak generally rather than specifically, reducing the impact of in-session cognitive work and homework like social anxiety exposures (Gryesten et al., 2023). Digital and hybrid groups add challenges like privacy concerns from being overheard or recorded, making trust-building and confidentiality assurances critical to encourage openness (Selvam, 2024). In community and global settings, initial reluctance to share is often linked to anticipated stigma, but programs that clearly state confidentiality rules and provide psychoeducation can help reduce fears and promote more sharing over time (Seidman et al., 2022). For PMHNPs, this means prioritizing safety before deeper disclosure: enforcing confidentiality agreements, using structured turn-taking to prevent domination, starting with low-risk cognitive targets, and building group cohesion through small exercises before full sharing. When disclosure fears persist, brief individual check-ins can help clients identify automatic thoughts safely, allowing them to rejoin the group for skill practice, NOT YET. Need Assignment Help?