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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 11:47:10
I am curious what people's experience with group therapy has been and how it compared with one-to-one counselling they may have had??
Posted by judy1 on February 13, 2001, at 12:10:07
In reply to Group Therapy vs one-to-one?, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 11:47:10
Hi dj,
The only experience I have had with group therapy was day hospital- where I would always run out with a panic attack. Personally I think my issues lend itself to individual therapy. Are you considering group therapy?- Judy
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 14:29:26
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one?, posted by judy1 on February 13, 2001, at 12:10:07
> Hi dj,
> The only experience I have had with group therapy was day hospital- where I would always run out with a panic attack. Personally I think my issues lend itself to individual therapy. Are >you considering group therapy?- JudyChecking it out. I tend to prefer groups to one on one, as I generally learn from the various interactions whereas I find myself at a loss for words often in one on one....
Posted by willow on February 13, 2001, at 14:29:53
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one?, posted by judy1 on February 13, 2001, at 12:10:07
I agree with Judy. I've never come across anything available in my community regarding group therapy. Is this place sortof like group therapy?
Posted by judy1 on February 13, 2001, at 14:54:12
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one? » judy1, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 14:29:26
I can't remember dj, but do you have just bipolar disorder (like that's not enough) I ask because I have panic disorder and tend to freak in groups. But I know that there are several groups in my area for people with bp disorder and support groups for families so people must have success with them. If you are unable to speak to your shrink? therp? have you considered getting another one or writing down your issues? I e-mail mine all the time with the difficult stuff, but have actually sent letters in the past. It's just so much easier for me to communicate that way- probably why I use this board so much- Judy
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 17:21:27
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one? » dj, posted by judy1 on February 13, 2001, at 14:54:12
Diagnosis have been fuzzy, and frustrating. Possibly low level BP, still ascertaining... def. some social anxiety and dystamnia, at times double depression...
With my current therapist I'm not very impressed and feel like my sessions with her are a waste of time, for variety of reasons, so been looking at other options like groups.
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 17:23:29
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one?, posted by willow on February 13, 2001, at 14:29:53
> I agree with Judy. I've never come across anything available in my community regarding group therapy. Is this place sortof like group >therapy?
Yes this would be kinda like group therapy, without the visual cues and less facilitation.
More group therapy in larger centres where there are larger hosptials and/or universities or other institutiions where you will usually find such.
Posted by allisonm on February 13, 2001, at 17:54:28
In reply to Group Therapy vs one-to-one?, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 11:47:10
I went to a CSW for one-on-one weekly sessions for several years, who started a women's group and invited me into it. I much preferred the one-on-one. Group didn't get anywhere, or if it did, it took absolutely forever to do it.
My current psychiatrist has led groups, even women's groups, but I have never explored the subject with him because I don't really want to go there.
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 19:40:28
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one?, posted by allisonm on February 13, 2001, at 17:54:28
> I went to a CSW for one-on-one weekly sessions for several years, who started a women's group and invited me into it. I much preferred the one-on-one. Group didn't get anywhere, or if it did, >it took absolutely forever to do it.
Having experienced many different types of groups, as both a participant and observer, the key is the quality of the facilitation (as with one-to-one) and the group. A well facilited group can be very dynamic and if not it can be a real dud. Same with therapy sessions, from what I've experienced which is less so...
Posted by shellie on February 13, 2001, at 19:56:37
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one? » judy1, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 17:21:27
> Diagnosis have been fuzzy, and frustrating. Possibly low level BP, still ascertaining... def. some social anxiety and dystamnia, at times double depression...
>
> With my current therapist I'm not very impressed and feel like my sessions with her are a waste of time, for variety of reasons, so been looking at other options like groups.dj, I think really bad depression would be very difficult to deal with in a therapy group. (Opposed to a support group). Unless others have very similar problems, you may end up feeling worse about your depression.
When I was younger and in a group, it was really hard because I was always told I was the most perceptive member, yet I had the most difficulty with life. So it was really frustrating.
I tended to like my inpatient groups better, although I have this thing about not letting my vulnerabilities visible (it's very natural for me-not to appear vulnerable). But at least there everyone had severe problems with both dissociation and depression, and the therapists were very well trained to work with this population.
Some people might say that I should be in a group so that I show my vulnerability,but I think it's enough to show it with my therapist.
You might consider a different therapist. If you've already worked any abuse in your childhood (if you've had any), I think cognitive based therapy has been the most helpful to me in moving me foward. shellie
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 20:52:22
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one? » dj, posted by shellie on February 13, 2001, at 19:56:37
shellie,
I had a nice long response and mistakenly lost it, just as I parted company with my previous and better therapist because of carelessness, mostly on my own behalf. He was much better than the current one.
I've done a previous Mind Body group, some time back, through a local alternative research facility associated with our main hospital and it was pretty good, as it had a multi-faceted approach to issues in and out of the group. Great place to practice empathy, intimacy and vunerability with folks suffering from some pretty serious health challanges of many sorts. The quality of facilitation and caring made all the difference, which is why I'm doing some more limited follow-up there.
Quality of mental health resources varies here from city region to region and across the county. I'm looking for a multi-modal approach which is what Richard O'Connor seems to recommend in his book "Active Treatment of Depression" - see above.
Waiting to hear further from a nearby jurisdiction which is well rated nationally and allows for both individual and group therapy with therapists from a variety of backgrounds. Time will tell...
Thanks for your thoughful response and those of the rest above, as well...
Sante!
dj
Posted by willow on February 13, 2001, at 21:04:53
In reply to Re: Group Therapy vs one-to-one? » willow, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 17:23:29
"Yes this would be kinda like group therapy, without the visual cues and less facilitation."
Not having the visual interference can be a bonus, especially for someone with anxiety or a low threshold. Another bonus is being able to edit our communication. (I have chronic foot in mouth, so this helps me to use more tact.)
I don't agree with the less facilitation. Here we have such a diverse group of people that we're able to get more versions of feedback. If you're in a group (in person) I think the conversation would be somewhat stifled. Here everyone has more of an equal voice.
"More group therapy in larger centres where there are larger hosptials and/or universities or other institutiions where you will usually find such."
My town has a population of 1,000. The city has 50,000. So the population limits us. You really don't want to go into a group where so and so is related to so and so, etc.
Willow
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 21:16:34
In reply to This board as therapy ..., posted by willow on February 13, 2001, at 21:04:53
Willow,
A well facilitated group aims to allow people to work on interactive skills in person and at their own pace and comfort or discomfort level. Good facilitators can ensure that everyone has a voice and help with the flow of communications in the moment.
Even in a town of 1000, a good facilitor can make a difference in a group. Just might take more sensitivity and knowledge of group taboos.... 1.75 million of so out here, so more to choose from...
sante!
dj
Posted by willow on February 13, 2001, at 21:28:51
In reply to Re: This board as therapy ... » willow, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 21:16:34
DJ
I don't think I would feel comfortable. But on the plus side just talking to someone out in public can give me a lift. I'm always likely to bump into an acquaintance.
PS What does Sante mean?
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 21:37:56
In reply to Small town therapy ..., posted by willow on February 13, 2001, at 21:28:51
> I don't think I would feel comfortable. But on the plus side just talking to someone out in public can give me a lift. I'm always likely to >bump into an acquaintance.
Best to focus on what works best for you given your circumstances.
> PS What does Sante mean?
French for - health!
Posted by shellie on February 13, 2001, at 21:42:41
In reply to Re: Sante... » willow, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 21:37:56
dj, I just thought of one other group that really helped me--pyschodrama. There I was able to feel things that were hard to feel other places. It was very intense, but it was also in the hospital. I tried to find an outpatient psychodrama group, but was not successful. If you get the chance, it's a great medium. chow
Posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 22:10:31
In reply to Re: Sante... » dj, posted by shellie on February 13, 2001, at 21:42:41
> dj, I just thought of one other group that really helped me--pyschodrama. There I was able to feel things that were hard to feel other places. It was very intense, but it was also in the hospital. I tried to find an outpatient psychodrama group, but was not successful. If >you get the chance, it's a great medium. chow
Great suggestion, shellie! Psychodrama is a powerful approach from my limited experience with it, if properly handled.
Posted by willow on February 14, 2001, at 7:39:09
In reply to Re: Sante... » willow, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 21:37:56
"French for - health!"
DJ do you live in the States? We have a large French community up north here. My in-laws are french-speaking also.
Posted by dj on February 14, 2001, at 9:03:19
In reply to Re: Sante..., posted by willow on February 14, 2001, at 7:39:09
> "French for - health!"
>
> DJ do you live in the States? We have a large French community up north here. My in-laws are >french-speaking also.
Vancouver, Willow but from the Maritimes, originally.
Posted by Noa on February 14, 2001, at 11:45:13
In reply to Re: Sante... » shellie, posted by dj on February 13, 2001, at 22:10:31
psychodrama is powerful. I did a brief class in it a long time ago. I think there are some family therapy group practices that use it a lot. That might be a place to start inquiring about psychodrama groups.
It can be very hard, too, and you cannot fade into the wordwork with psychodrama.
Posted by Noa on February 14, 2001, at 11:59:17
In reply to Re: Sante... » willow, posted by dj on February 14, 2001, at 9:03:19
I was in two groups. The first, for about 4 years. It was hard work, but helpful. I started right after being in the hospital, and the timing was great because it was a group just starting up at that time. Eventually, it disbanded when the therapist left the agency.
The second group was the group from hell! I was in it about 1 year. When I joined, it had been going 6 months, and had already had about 75% turn over. During the year I was in it, everyone who was in when I joined left precipitously, and some of the new people who joined also left precipitously. I thought about leaving a lot, but kept hanging in there because I didn't want to "flee" (the therapists framed it as a cop out, and this was one of my issues--feeling like I don't finish things I start--so I felt ashamed of wanting to leave, even though being in the group produced a lot of shame in me, too). But eventually, I did flee--I, too, ended up leaving without saying goodbye, just like everyone else who just disappeared, even though I was determined not to do that. When I finally decided to leave, I think it was a good decision--a decision to get myself out of something that was hurting me, not helping me.
That group was awful. The therapists were cold and harsh. Their style was a misguided following of some textbook approach. They interpreted EVERYTHING anyone said about what was happening in the room as transference, so we always felt invalidated. There was so much shame in the room all the time. It was a terribly harsh environment. No one left because they got better. We all left because we couldn't take it anymore.
I was in three other groups that weren't exactly therapy groups--they were kind of between a guided support group and a therapy group, focus on issues of eating and body image. These were wonderful and very helpful. It was in these groups that I learned the concept of setting teeny tiny goals, making the goals achievable, and building on ones' success.
The bad therapy group experience I had has made me wary of going into group therapy again. I know not all groups are like that but I am still reluctant. In the meantime, my individual therapy is pretty intensive (2x per week), so it is about all I can fit in financially and timewise, too.
Posted by Noa on February 14, 2001, at 12:00:40
In reply to This board as therapy ..., posted by willow on February 13, 2001, at 21:04:53
To me, this board isn't therapy, but it is therapeutic. In other words, I don't feel it could substitute for therapy, but it sure is a great augmentation strategy!
Posted by willow on February 14, 2001, at 13:46:06
In reply to Re: Sante... » willow, posted by dj on February 14, 2001, at 9:03:19
... from the Maritimes, originally."
I have a good friend whose family is from the Maritimes, her dad was in the service so I guess that's how she got here, near Sudbury in Ontario. We were planning a holiday to the Maritimes but I became pregnant and we got nervous about money! Everyone always wants to go west around here, but I think I prefer the East. I've been as far as Montreal only though. I'm originally from Finland so perhaps the young child in me is yearning for my homeland?
Posted by willow on February 14, 2001, at 13:47:49
In reply to Re: This board as therapy ..., posted by Noa on February 14, 2001, at 12:00:40
> To me, this board isn't therapy, but it is therapeutic. In other words, I don't feel it could substitute for therapy, but it sure is a great augmentation strategy!
Posted by roo on February 20, 2001, at 13:52:00
In reply to Good point Noa! (np), posted by willow on February 14, 2001, at 13:47:49
I've been in group therapy for 2 years. I've found
it to be pretty helpful. I think when a lot of your
issues tend to be around relating to people, it's
a good thing, b/c you will tend to act in group like
you do in the outside world. But, if it's a good group,
it gives you an opportunity to work on those issues within
a safe environment. It's hard to leave though, once
you get close to everybody. I'm struggling with that
now, and also, like another poster mentioned, struggling
with the question have I "earned my way out". I know I'm
never going to be perfect, but am I well enough to
leave? That's been hard for me to determine, especially
since I"m a perfectionist. I suppose it's a question I
should pose to group to get some feedback on...but I'm kind
of scared. Scared that people will say "no YOu don't seem
ready" and I'll be mad. But that's what it's all about--
putting your thoughts and feelings into words and letting
other people put their thoughts and feelings into words...
dealing with scarey fears having to do with other people's
reactions to you, etc.
This is the end of the thread.
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