Risk, responsibility, and structure: A conceptual framework for initiating group counseling and psychotherapy.

Abstract

A developmental framework for initiating group counseling and psychotherapy is presented. On the basis of existing evidence, client risk, responsibility, and group structure were postulated as basic ingredients affecting early group development. The primary thesis of this article is that client exposure to levels of personal risk and responsibility most conducive to group development can be regulated by group structure. The theoretical and practical implications of these observations are discussed.

Experiential marital enrichment: developing a model

“…Furthermore, Borgers and Tyndall (1982), LeCluyse (1983), and Muller and Scott (1984) concur that group members who are given pre-group preparation generally experience greater benefit than do those participants who are unprepared. Additionally, Bednar, Melnick & Kaul (1974), LeCluyse (1983), andYalom (1983), confirmed that prepared members tended to have increased faith in the group, increased more awareness of appropriate group behavior and role, and lower levers of anxiety.…”

“…Therefore, the time for the session itself needed to be lengthened to a full 120 minutes. According to couples, a pre-session assignment would be helpful in preparing them for this more uncomfortable focus on intimacy (Bednar et al, 1974;Borgers & Tyndall, 1982;LeCluyse, 1983). That is, couples needed to have an opportunity prior to the session to work on an assignment related to intimacy.…”

“…The prepared participants are more open, self-disclosing and more willing to give and receive feedback (Bednar, Melnick & Kaul, 1974;LeCluyse, 1983;Yalom, 1983).…”

“…First, it was suggested that pre-training information include a descriptive vignette of the trainers and their professional experience (Borgers & Tyndall, 1982;Corey & Corey, 1987;LeCluyse, 1983;Muller & Scott, 1984). Also, the pre-session information needed to describe the focus of the first session (Bednar et al, 1974;Corey & Corey, 1987;LeCluyse, 1983, Yalom, 1983. Consequently, couples would need to know that they would be active, moving about, and sometimes in close contact with their partner and/or other group members during an initiative (Gillis & Bonney, 1986;Gillis & Gass, 1993).…”

“…Provide participants with a brief description of the trainers, the trainers' professional training and experience, and the trainers' relationship to one another, that is, colleagues, husband and wife, or supervisor and supervisee (Bednar, Melnick & Kaul, 1974;Corey & Corey, 1987;Dye, 1987).…”