Reference no: EM133507212

Joseph, an alienated client with schizoid personality disorder, announced in the eighth meeting that he felt he was getting nowhere in the group and was contemplating termination. In an individual session, he told the therapist something he had never been able to say in the group- namely, that he had many positive feelings towards a couple of the group members. Nevertheless, he insisted that the therapy was ineffective and that he desired a more accelerated and defined form of therapy. The therapist noted Joseph's criticism of the group therapy and he was, in fact, fleeing from the closeness he had felt in the group. The therapist again explained the social phenomenon and clarified for Joseph that in the group he was repeating his lifelong style of relating to others. He had always avoided or fled intimacy and no doubt would always do so in the future unless he stopped running and allowed himself the opportunity to explore his interpersonal problems. Joseph continued in the group and eventually made considerable gains in therapy.

1. How can the therapist address Joseph's feelings of wanting to drop out of therapy?

2. Explain the relationship between Joseph's schizoid personality disorder and how he feels about the group. What type of defense mechanism is Joseph using when he criticizes the group therapy format?

3. Describe the potential issues that can manifest within the group when a group member drops out or discusses dropping out during group therapy.

4. Which phase of group development does this group appear to be in? Explain your answer. (Wheeler, Table 11.3, pg. 419)

5. Identify a specific group you would like to lead in your practice and discuss the purpose, your target population, how you would screen and recruit participants, establish a fee schedule, time frame (open or closed), number of participants, theoretical orientation for the group, selection of a co-therapist or why you do not want a co-therapist, marketing and advertising, and length of each session.