Group Therapy Graduate Seminar: A Developmental Perspective

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Counseling
• Social Work Education

Background:

• Training in group therapy is crucial for helping professions.
• Existing models emphasize experience, observation, supervised practice, and theory.

Purpose of the Study:

• To offer a novel model for a group therapy seminar.
• To organize training along developmental concepts.

Main Methods:

• A five-year study observing 120 psychology students.
• Utilized supervised observation, fish-bowl, one-way mirror techniques.
• Included a final paper integrating theory and practice.

Main Results:

• Students gained practical experience and theoretical understanding of group processes.
• Participants acted as both group members and co-leaders.
• The seminar facilitated the integration of theory and practice.

Conclusions:

• The developmental model effectively trains graduate students in group therapy.
• The seminar enhances understanding of group dynamics and leadership skills.