Working with resistance to experiencing and expressing emotions in group therapy

Emotional insight is essential in order for therapeutic change to take place. Profound resistances to experiencing, expressing, and understanding emotions are present in group members, the group as a whole, and the group therapist. Reasons for the three types of resistances are described. Specific therapist attitudes and therapeutic techniques are suggested to understand and effectively work through resistances at individual, interpersonal, and whole-group levels. Examples are given from an ongoing therapy group to illustrate the processes of understanding and working through resistances. Resistances on the part of the group therapist are identified and their possible effects on the group's resistance are explored.