Mary, a student nurse, is studying for an upcoming examination in her psychiatric-mental health nursing class.  Mary is reviewing group psychiatric therapy and made some practice test questions on this topic.

Case Study, Mohr

CHAPTER 14, Groups and Group Interventions

In completing the case study, students will be addressing the following learning objectives:

Discuss the advantages of group therapy.

Discuss the nurse’s role in working with groups.

1. Mary, a student nurse, is studying for an upcoming examination in her psychiatric-mental health nursing class.  Mary is reviewing group psychiatric therapy and made some practice test questions on this topic.  Help Mary study by answering the following questions.

(Learning Objectives: 7, 10)

a. Why does group therapy benefit clients with a psychiatric diagnosis?

• How can the psychiatric nurse best facilitate a community support group?

ANSWER

“Advantages of Group Therapy and the Nurse’s Role in Facilitating Community Support Groups”

Group therapy benefits clients with a psychiatric diagnosis in several ways:

Social Support: Group therapy provides a supportive environment where individuals with similar experiences can come together to share their thoughts, feelings, and challenges. This sense of community and belonging can reduce feelings of isolation and stigma often associated with psychiatric diagnoses. It allows individuals to realize that they are not alone in their struggles and fosters a sense of empathy and understanding among group members.

Universality: Group therapy helps clients realize that their experiences, thoughts, and emotions are not unique to them alone (Stige et al., 2013). Through interactions with others in the group, individuals gain a sense of universality, understanding that their difficulties are shared by others facing similar challenges. This normalization of experiences can reduce self-blame, increase self-acceptance, and enhance self-esteem.

Peer Feedback: Group therapy offers an opportunity for members to receive feedback, guidance, and support from their peers. Sharing personal experiences, offering suggestions, and providing constructive criticism can facilitate personal growth and promote alternative perspectives. Peer feedback can be particularly powerful as individuals tend to trust and relate more to others who have faced similar struggles.

Skill Development: Group therapy sessions often incorporate various therapeutic techniques and interventions aimed at improving coping skills, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal relationships. Through observation and participation, clients can learn from one another and acquire new skills that can be applied to their daily lives outside the therapy setting. The group dynamic provides a safe space to practice these skills and receive feedback from both peers and the facilitator.

Catharsis and Emotional Expression: Sharing personal stories and emotions within a supportive group setting can be cathartic for individuals. Group therapy allows clients to express themselves openly, releasing pent-up emotions, and gaining insight and clarity into their own experiences. The opportunity for emotional expression can facilitate healing and emotional growth.

 The psychiatric nurse plays a crucial role in facilitating a community support group. To optimize the effectiveness of the group, the nurse can:

Create a Safe and Supportive Environment: The nurse should establish a safe, non-judgmental, and inclusive space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and emotions (Kumar et al., 2020). This involves setting ground rules for confidentiality, respect, and active listening.

Assess and Individualize Care: The nurse should conduct thorough assessments of each group member’s needs, strengths, and challenges. By understanding the unique requirements of each individual, the nurse can tailor interventions and support accordingly.

Establish Clear Goals: Working collaboratively with the group members, the nurse should identify and establish clear goals for the group. These goals could be centered around developing coping skills, enhancing social support networks, or fostering personal growth. Clearly defined goals provide direction and motivation for the group members.

Facilitate Communication and Participation: The nurse should encourage active participation and open communication within the group. This can be achieved by using facilitative techniques such as active listening, reflection, and encouraging members to share their experiences and insights (Kornhaber et al., 2016). The nurse should ensure equal opportunities for all members to contribute and engage in the group process.

Manage Group Dynamics: The nurse should be attentive to the group dynamics and interpersonal interactions within the group. Addressing conflicts, promoting empathy and understanding, and fostering a sense of cohesion among the members are essential aspects of group facilitation.

Evaluate Progress and Outcomes: The nurse should regularly evaluate the progress of the group and individual members towards achieving the established goals. By monitoring and assessing the outcomes, the nurse can make necessary adjustments to interventions, provide feedback, and celebrate successes.

Overall, the nurse’s role in facilitating a community support group is to create a nurturing environment, promote growth and healing, and empower individuals to take an active role in their mental health journey.

References

Kornhaber, R., Walsh, K., Duff, J., & Walker, K. (2016). Enhancing adult therapeutic interpersonal relationships in the acute health care setting: an integrative review. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare, Volume 9, 537–546. https://doi.org/10.2147/jmdh.s116957 

Kumar, A., Kearney, A. R., Hoskins, K., & Iyengar, A. (2020). The role of psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners in improving mental and behavioral health care delivery for children and adolescents in multiple settings. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 34(5), 275–280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnu.2020.07.022 

Stige, S. H., Rosenvinge, J. H., & Træen, B. (2013). A meaningful struggle: Trauma clients’ experiences with an inclusive stabilization group approach. Psychotherapy Research, 23(4), 419–429. https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2013.778437