Therapy Toronto Free Directory
New therapy group for shy young adults in Toronto--see bottom of page
by Beth Mares, clinical member, Ontario Society of Psychotherapists
There are several different types, the most common being the interactive group, described below.
Interactive group therapy
Most groups of this type perform the functions of a support group, but go well beyond that to build interpersonal skills and in some cases to resolve deep interpersonal and emotional problems. For that reason it is important for the facilitator to be a qualified psychotherapist with thorough training in this type of work. Participants learn communication skills, assertiveness, sensitivity, emotional intelligence (EQ), how to assert one's boundaries and respect other people's, and how to get and give support. A common misconception is that participants are supposed to reveal themselves and/or engage in intense interactions whether they feel like it or not. On the contrary, in a well-run group bullying is not allowed, intrusiveness is discouraged, and members are taught how to set boundaries that keep them feeling grounded and OK.
This type of therapy can also greatly increase self-esteem, allow people to experience a sense of belonging, and provide an (almost) instant support system for someone who has not yet learned how to build one or is temporarily without one because of a move or a breakup. It can be a transition out of therapy for someone who has been in long term individual therapy, especially if they have been somewhat isolated or need to build more interpersonal skills. Interactive groups vary somewhat in tone, depending on who the leader is and who the members are. Some are very gentle, and others involve learning how to deal with a manageable amount of conflict. A good therapist will choose members who fit together well. For example, it would be a bad idea to put a shy person with a loud, talkative and articulate gang.
Members need to stay for at least six months to obtain a worthwhile benefit, and the typical stay of eighteen months to two years produces the deepest change. One needs to have a schedule which permits at least 85% attendance; otherwise too much of the action is missed. The frequency is typically weekly, but may be twice weekly or alternate weeks. Naturally, the more frequent groups tend to be more intense and to produce a more powerful bond among the members. The best size is generally considered to be 7 or 8, though I have found 6 good too. Some groups are about 12, which I think is too large for an interactive group, though it may be fine for a support group. Interactive groups should be fairly heterogeneous, but some are for men or women only, and some may be for gays and lesbians only if that is necessary to avoid homophobia in the group or if it is a coming out group. A mixed and heterogeneous group of course allows more learning about relating to the opposite sex, people with different lifestyles, etc.
The group described below, which is not currently being offered, is an example of a classic interactive psychotherapy group centred on friendships and relationships and with emphasis on support and mutual respect.
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How do you build a support system?
How do you know when it is time to end a friendship or relationship, and how do you do it?
Why do I keep picking people who aren't right for me?
What should I look for in a friend or partner?
How can my relationship be made more satisfying?
How can I avoid fights with members of my family?
How do I stand up for myself without getting into a mess?
Do men think differently from women?
This group includes members who are in a relationship and members who are not. The purpose is not to form friendships with other participants, although that sometimes does happen later on. Sessions run for an hour and a half weekly and are held in the evening. Some participants attend the group only, supplemented by occasional individual sessions if required. Others are in regular individual therapy concurrently with the leader or a different therapist. A preliminary assessment session is required to mutually determine whether the group is right for the person (if not, other suggestions will be made); and to orient him or her.
Shyness from the Inside Out: A Group for Young Adults
Spring 2013, Toronto
A new small group for young
adults (maximum 6 members) who struggle with the impact of shyness on their
personal and work lives is starting in midtown Toronto this spring. The group
will take place on Friday afternoons for 12 consecutive weeks. A pre-group
telephone conversation and in-person meeting with the therapist will be
required. Participants will need to be in individual therapy with a different
therapist while working in the group. Although the group will primarily be
discussion-based, artmaking and writing may be incorporated into some sessions.
To contact Linda Chapman for more information about
this group, email lindachapman@rogers.com or call 416-427-6244
Copyright © 1998 Beth Mares
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