Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 814704

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First Group Therapy session today

Posted by Kath on February 25, 2008, at 19:57:28

And I'm pretty happy about it.

The doctor who leads it is good. She is very kind & caring & direct. I like her a LOT.

The people are also nice - about 15 of them.

I was 1 of 2 new people, so we did a longer 'check in'. As I was talking about son, I started to get choked up & the doctor said that it seemed I was feeling something & I said (chokingly) 'sad'. She said, SO kindly, "It's alright to cry here." and I DID!!! and felt okay about it.

The doctor taught us a really good 'template', she called it. It's to bring oneself into the present, as a tool to help not worry. I used it in the car on the way home & it actually worked.

Here it is for anyone interested:

It's using our senses (5) to get out of our 'head' focus in the 'now'.

Say, "Now I Am Aware of SEEING -----"

"Now I Am Aware of HEARING----------"

"Now I Am Aware of SMELLING---------"

"Now I Am Aware of TASTING--------"

"Now I Am Aware of TOUCHING-----------"

for ex. Now I am aware of seeing the blue sky.

Now I am aware of hearing the engine of the car.

Now I am aware of smelling the hot chocolate in my cup.

Now I am aware of tasting a sweet taste from the hot chocolate.

Now I am aware of my hands touching the steering wheel.

Then I repeated it. Then I repeated it 2 or 3 more times.

I felt MUCH calmer. Quieter in my mind. Settled down. And those feelings stayed. When a worrying thought came into my mind, I did the exercise again 3 or 4 times.

I find it QUITE GOOD. I guess I could go through the day doing it as necessary!!!!

:-)

All in all, I am pleased so far, with the group therapy.

:-)) Kath

 

Re: First Group Therapy session today » Kath

Posted by ClearSkies on February 25, 2008, at 20:04:41

In reply to First Group Therapy session today, posted by Kath on February 25, 2008, at 19:57:28

Wonderful! That exercise is very much like what I do at night to calm my mind in preparation for sleep; I'd never thought of doing it when I'm anxious during the day - doh!!

CS

 

Re: First Group Therapy session today » Kath

Posted by MissK on February 25, 2008, at 20:17:49

In reply to First Group Therapy session today, posted by Kath on February 25, 2008, at 19:57:28

Very interesting. Yes, there is something about 'being able to cry'. I've done it alot in private with my T. I don't know how I would feel doing it in a group setting, but it says alot about the setting and the group that you felt you could do it.

Neat exercise. I am glad the therapy helped you almost right away.

I'm curious, what was the interaction among the participants? Is the discussion all directed by the therapist? Do you guys get a bit of time either before or after to just talk to one another?

Thanks for sharing. Look forward to reading more about it when you feel like it.

 

Re: First Group Therapy session today » MissK

Posted by Kath on February 25, 2008, at 20:55:47

In reply to Re: First Group Therapy session today » Kath, posted by MissK on February 25, 2008, at 20:17:49

I'll try to answer tomorrow - going to beddie bye now.

hugs, kath

 

Re: First Group Therapy session today

Posted by Angela2 on February 26, 2008, at 14:32:33

In reply to First Group Therapy session today, posted by Kath on February 25, 2008, at 19:57:28

yay! I'm really glad group went well for you Kath.

 

Re: First Group Therapy session today » MissK

Posted by Kath on February 27, 2008, at 16:22:27

In reply to Re: First Group Therapy session today » Kath, posted by MissK on February 25, 2008, at 20:17:49

> Very interesting. Yes, there is something about 'being able to cry'. I've done it alot in private with my T. I don't know how I would feel doing it in a group setting, but it says alot about the setting and the group that you felt you could do it.

*********Yeah - I felt pretty 'safe' there for sure. The doctor is VERY kind & respectful.****

> Neat exercise. I am glad the therapy helped you almost right away.

***I posted more about my next day of 'tailoring' the exercise to me - on the Social board.***

>
> I'm curious, what was the interaction among the participants? Is the discussion all directed by the therapist? Do you guys get a bit of time either before or after to just talk to one another?

****One person would speak, then doc would ask if there were any questions or comments. Then one by one people would say what they wanted. Doc would sometimes ask a question or make a comment. If the original speaker started to speak, doc would politely & kindly & quietly put her finger to her lips & go "shhhh". Gently though! If something occurred to doc she'd mention it or ask the person is this how they felt, etc?

People can arrive early & some were chatting. I noticed a few went together afterwards for coffee. At the outset when I was reading all the information, one of the things that was suggested was that in order to benefit most from Group, it was advised not to make close friendships with people in the group, while we were involved in Group Therapy.*****

> Thanks for sharing. Look forward to reading more about it when you feel like it.

*******I'm glad to share; sorry it took me a while. Please feel free to ask me anything you like. the doc pointed out that group therapies differ & not to expect it to be like others we may have attended or heard about. I suspect it depends on the person leading it. She is an MD (medical doctor - oh I think you're from Canada, right?) anyway, she's an MD with 2 other sets of letters afterwards, including GT, which tell which credentials she has specifically FOR leading group therapy. I love it that it's covered by OHIP so if free.

:-)) Kath


PS - I live in Ontario, north of Toronto. Are you anywhere near me? (IF you feel like saying)
K

 

Re: First Group Therapy session today » Kath

Posted by MissK on February 27, 2008, at 21:15:07

In reply to Re: First Group Therapy session today » MissK, posted by Kath on February 27, 2008, at 16:22:27

Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. It provides a more dynamic visual of what goes on.

It was interesting to read that it is suggested to not make relationships with the other participants while doing the therapy. Obviously, for some, they don't exactly follow the advice. lol.

Well, I hope it continues to do you good, and that you might post about it again sometime.

 

Re: First Group Therapy session today » MissK

Posted by Kath on February 29, 2008, at 20:11:36

In reply to Re: First Group Therapy session today » Kath, posted by MissK on February 27, 2008, at 21:15:07

Yes - I will post about it again. I go on Monday again.

Some threads below, Sunnydays is having an awful experience in group.

I can't help but think that the leader in her group is either not as well-trained or not as skilled as mine is. I canNOT imagine that my leader would allow that type of thing. Respect seems to be a HUGE thing in my group.

Did I mention that one time, the leader (doctor) was going to give input to a member & indicated to her that she had something pretty direct to say & asked if it was ok! I was really impressed.

K


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