Dealing with resistance in group therapy

Client resistance to psychotherapeutic efforts often has a demoralizing effect on the nurse therapist, especially when the resistance crops up in a group therapy setting. As the therapist becomes more experienced with handling resistance, it becomes less threatening. Ironically, resistance signals that treatment is progressing--that the therapist and the group members are getting close to crucial issues. The author provides an overview of predominant forms of resistance and frameworks for effective clinical management.