Therapeutic Factors
Yalom identified eleven therapeutic factors which he considered to be key agents of change in the group process (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005) and as much of his work focused on the bereaved, the writer will demonstrate, through a hypothetical bereavement group setting, how these factors can promote change.
Initially, there is a tendency for members to disconnect and feel isolated in their grief, but universality and cohesion can be fostered by sharing and listening to others’ stories and realising they are not alone. This collective sharing can also instil hope, as by observing positive change in others, members begin to understand their pain will not destroy them, but instead can lead to healing and by offering others support, members can experience healing through their own altruism. The group provides a cathartic environment where information on surviving and coping is shared and existential factors are explored (Humphrey & Zimpfner, 2008).
During the process, past experiences can be triggered by someone …show more content…
& Feirman, 2008) can be understood as the emotional bond held by a member of the group as a whole, for other group members and for the facilitator and fosters a sense of belonging, engagement, acceptance, support and attractiveness to the group (Marziali, Munroe-Blum & McCleary, 1997) which enhances commitment and reduces drop-out rates (Yalom, 1995). Anderson, Shelby and Golden-Kreutz (2007) concluded in their study of breast cancer patients, that group cohesion reduced emotional distress and increased physical activity, however, research by Woody and Adessky (2002) showed group cohesion to remain static and did not relate to
Yalom identified eleven therapeutic factors which he considered to be key agents of change in the group process (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005) and as much of his work focused on the bereaved, the writer will demonstrate, through a hypothetical bereavement group setting, how these factors can promote change.
Initially, there is a tendency for members to disconnect and feel isolated in their grief, but universality and cohesion can be fostered by sharing and listening to others’ stories and realising they are not alone. This collective sharing can also instil hope, as by observing positive change in others, members begin to understand their pain will not destroy them, but instead can lead to healing and by offering others support, members can experience healing through their own altruism. The group provides a cathartic environment where information on surviving and coping is shared and existential factors are explored (Humphrey & Zimpfner, 2008).
During the process, past experiences can be triggered by someone …show more content…
& Feirman, 2008) can be understood as the emotional bond held by a member of the group as a whole, for other group members and for the facilitator and fosters a sense of belonging, engagement, acceptance, support and attractiveness to the group (Marziali, Munroe-Blum & McCleary, 1997) which enhances commitment and reduces drop-out rates (Yalom, 1995). Anderson, Shelby and Golden-Kreutz (2007) concluded in their study of breast cancer patients, that group cohesion reduced emotional distress and increased physical activity, however, research by Woody and Adessky (2002) showed group cohesion to remain static and did not relate to