NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay

NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay

Introduction

Group process involves how people and members work together to attain a common objective. Groups are essential for human experiences and hence it is important for the PMHNP to understand group processes and stage formation (Crane-Okada, 2012). This paper will provide a critique for “Group therapy: A live demonstration” video and provide an analysis for the group processes, stage formation, and curative factors of groups. Finally, the paper will discuss the effect of curative factors on client’s progress and strategies to manage intragroup conflict.

Group’s Processes and Stages of Formation

The study of group processes involves social and cognitive effects and their impact on…

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In a 2- to 3-page paper, address the following:

Explain the group’s processes and stage of formation.
Explain curative factors that occurred in the group. Include how these factors might impact client progress.
Explain intragroup conflict that occurred and recommend strategies for managing the conflict. Support your recommendations with evidence-based literature NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay
This is the video
Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2011a). Group therapy: A live demonstration. [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Author

Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (5th ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books.

The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, 5th Edition by Yalom, Irvin D. ; Leszcz, Molyn. Copyright 2005 by Hachette Books Group. Reprinted by permission of Hachette Books Group via the Copyright Clearance Center.

Chapter 5, “The Therapist: Basic Tasks” (pp. 117–140)

Chapter 8, “The Selection of Clients” (pp. 231–258)

Chapter 9, “The Composition of Therapy Groups” (pp. 259–280)

Crane-Okada, R. (2012). The concept of presence in group psychotherapy: An operational definition. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 48(3), 156–164. doi:10.1111/j.1744-6163.2011.00320.x

Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.

Lerner, M. D., McLeod, B. D., & Mikami, A. Y. (2013). Preliminary evaluation of an observational measure of group cohesion for group psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 69(3), 191–208. doi:10.1002/jclp.21933 NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay

Note: Retrieved from Walden Library databases.

Nicholson, R. (2002). The dilemma of psychotherapy notes and HIPAA. Journal of AHIMA, 73(2), 38–39. Retrieved from http://library.ahima.org/doc?oid=58162#.V5J0__krLZ4http://library.ahima.org/doc?oid=58162#.V5J0__krLZ4

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.). HIPAA privacy rule and sharing information related to mental health. Retrieved March 18, 2017, from http://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/mental-health/

Group Processes and Stages of Formation

Introduction

Group’s Processes and Stages of Formation

The study of group processes involves social and cognitive effects and their impact on group members. Studies on group process focus on interactions between team members, traits of members, and the effect of such factors on ensuring the efficacy of the group. Group processes consist of essential components like group norms, roles, identity and status of the group, as well as the group social interaction (Crane-Okada, 2012). These components are further influences by qualities such as trust, feedback among group members, and conflict and resolution. Stages of group formation consist of forming, storming, norming, performance stage, as well as adjournment stage (Lerner et al, 2013).

In the “Group Therapy: A live demonstration” video, the group consisted of individuals struggling with social challenges and hence sought treatment to address these challenges. The common goal of the group was identified by the social challenge all members were experiencing and the need to improve their adaptive functionality; this was the forming stage. The storming phase occurs after forming of the group is typified by role assigning and some disagreements NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay. The norming stage includes the group members normalizing and getting used to each other (Lerner et al, 2013). This was demonstrated in the group where members could share their experiences freely. The performance group is characterized by trust among group members and this was demonstrated in the group where members were able to solve issues with minimal supervision. The group in the video is at the performance stage as the members freely share their experiences and interpersonal relationships (Lerner et al, 2013).

Curative Factors in the Group

Curative factors that took place in the group included hope installation; imparting of information; and universality. Hope installation is evident where group members are ready to provide hope to each other (Hauber et al, 2019). The group members also impart information and universality is also evident. An example of hope installation and imparting of information is evident where for example Gill tells about his alcoholism and shares how alcohol addiction has negatively affected his marriage. Phillip shares about his sexual addiction. After sharing these experiences, group members encourage them and thus install hope (Hauber et al, 2019).

Intragroup Conflict that Occurred

An example of an intragroup conflict that occurred in the video is where Philip and Sam sharply differed and argued because of their past encounters. Three strategies that can be used to manage conflicts in a group include collaborating and compromising (Overton & Lowry, 2013). Collaborating includes negotiating between the members having conflict and ensuring members with the conflict learn from each other, compromising strategy include reaching a compromise to ensure all team members find a middle ground (Overton & Lowry, 2013) NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay.

References

Crane-Okada, R. (2012). The concept of presence in group psychotherapy: An operational definition. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 48(3), 156–164.

Hauber K, Boon A & Robert V. (2019). Therapeutic factors that promote recovery in high-risk adolescents intensive group psychotherapeutic MBT programme. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 13(2).

Lerner, M. D., McLeod, B. D., & Mikami, A. Y. (2013). Preliminary evaluation of an observational measure of group cohesion for group psychotherapy. Journal of Clinical Psychology. 69(3).

Overton A & Lowry A. (2013). Conflict Management: Difficult Conversations with Difficult People. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 26(4),259–264. NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay

Introduction

Group process refers to when individuals congregate with a common objective that they seek to achieve. The fundamental elements which any group must have in order to come into existence from the beginning to the end, such as group norms, trust generation, inter member feedback, resistance, conflicts and resolutions are important in any group (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005). In this case, the congregated individuals reach a consensus that they will remain as part of the group until the objective that led to its formation has been met (Allen & Spitzer, 2015). A group is likely to encounter most if not all of the stages of group formations, commonly referred to as forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning (Tuckman, & Jensen, 1977). Research has shown group therapy to be as efficient as individual therapy. In group therapy, members are able to effect change as well as make it easier for one another to interact with the guidance of their peers and that of a counselor. The therapist therefore must understand group process as well as the stages of group formation in order to help them develop the group and determine an individual’s appropriateness for the group (Tuckman, & Jensen, 1977). NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay

Explain the group’s processes and stage of formation.

In the present situation, the group has been formed by individuals who are seeking treatment after recognizing that they have a social problem and require help thereby identifying their common goal. Typically, groups with a greater number of objectives will be more cohesive than those with fewer objectives (Psychotherapy.net, 2011). This group’s current stage of formation is in the storming stage, this is because the group has not yet completed any tasks since it is still unsettled. This was just formed recently and the members are in the process of adjusting. In fact, the members’ uncertainties before forming the group are now being expressed. There are some aspects of forming stage left, as evidenced by Gill’s avoidance of very important self-disclosure, even when pushed by Bonnie, he tried to change the subject by shifting to Julius’s health problem. Avoidance of self-disclosure is typically seen in forming stage (Tuckman, & Jensen, 1977). Conflicts between members are common occurrences that can make task completion challenging (Tuckman, & Jensen, 1977) This is particularly seen in the case of Philip and Pam who are engaged in a conflict that could degenerate into one of them leaving the group. Conflicts and competitions are characteristics of storming stage of group formation. In resolving the conflicts between members, the group is likely to become more cohesive and develop a culture of mutual support and compromise that avoids conflicts. At this point, the group should have moved to the norming stage to begin the actual process of developing a solution even as the members’ interactions are harmonized (Smith, 2012). NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay.

Explain curative factors that occurred in the group. Include how these factors might impact client progress.

The interactions between the group members showed that some curative factors occurred in the group. The members have expressed some hope that they will find a solution for their problems as expressed by their willingness to be a part of the group. The presence of the group offers the members hope that their problems are not unique and that they can share on their experiences to get a better awareness of these problems while supporting each other to develop solutions. Given the presence of hope, each member is motivated to support the group activities. The group brings to attention the fact that each member is not unique in his or her problems. Rather, these problems are universal and the only difference is in the way each individual approaches them. In sharing their experiences, every member can familiarize with the different aspects of the problems and collectively develop a more effective solution while discussing with others. Being in the group allow the members to understand the different aspects of social interaction, what is acceptable, and what is not when engaging with others. It is important to understand that individual problems typically have a social root, and gaining insight into social interaction can help in providing a solution. Finally, the presence of a facilitator (counselor) is important in guiding group interactions and activities as a mediator. Although the facilitator does not develop the solution, he or she guides the group towards a productive direction that allows them to achieve favorable results with minimal negative effects in the shortest time possible (Allen & Spitzer, 2015). The four curative factors occurred in the group and had an impact on the clients’ progress.

Explain intragroup conflict that occurred and recommend strategies for managing the conflict. Support your recommendations with evidence-based literature.

The group experienced an intragroup conflict whereby members expressed dissatisfaction with each other that threatened to break up the group. This was observed in the interaction between Philip and Pam that showed clear evidence of conflict. The two were dissatisfied with each other and Pam threatened to quit from the group if Philip was not expelled. The conflict polarized the group since Pam’s ultimatum implied that the group must choose between retaining Pam and losing Philip or retaining Philip and losing Pam. Although Philip did not mention an intention to quit if Pam was retained, he felt that Pam was appreciated more within the group than him. This was because the group members made ardent pleas to Pam not to quit the group while ignoring his presence and his need for assurance that the group supported him. In essence, he felt that Pam was supported whereas his presence is unnecessary. Philip summarized his feelings by indicating that he felt less valued than Pam according to how the situation was developing (Psychotherapy.net, 2011). In this respect, an intragroup conflict existed between Pam and Philip NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay.

Conflict in a group does not have to mean that the group cannot function. In fact, it may actually help the group function if the conflict is handled well. People can grow and learn from conflict, especially if it can be resolved in a way that makes the group a winner, not in a way that makes one individual the loser (Hadad, & Reed,2007). Ignoring conflicts will only make things worse, so conflicts are better delt with as they arise. Treat issues as problems to be solved, and do not engage in blaming. Be open minded and fair when listening to everyone, and brainstorm to find solutions or compromise (Hadad, & Reed, 2007).

The existence of the intragroup conflict between Pam and Philip is one that threatens to break up the group. While the conflict is a threat, it can also act as an incentive that allows the group to understand its purpose. In comprehending that the exit of either Philip or Pam will cause the group to break up, then it will be incumbent upon the group to resolve the existing conflict without breaking up the group. Should the existing conflict be resolved amicably without losing any members, then the group will learn that each problem has a solution and their individual problems similarly have solutions as well (Smith, 2012). In this respect, the group should approach intrapersonal conflict as an opportunity to affirm the efficacy of the group in developing solutions.

References

Allen, K. & Spitzer, W. (2015). Social Work Practice in Healthcare: Advanced approaches and emerging trends. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.

Psychotherapy.net (Producer). (2011). Group therapy: A live demonstration. [Video file]. Mill Valley, CA: Author.

Smith, G. (2012). Psychological Interventions in Mental Health Nursing. Berkshire: Open University Press.

Tuckman, B. & Jensen, M. (1977) Stages of Small Group Development. Group and Organizational Studies, 2, 419-427 [Review]. (n.d.). NURS 6650 Group Processes and Stages of Formation Essay