A Guide to Starting Psychotherapy Groups

JOHN R. PRICE AND DAVID R. HESCHELES

Lucille was referred by a colleague who was supervising her
medication following a suicide attempt Two of Lucilles
brothers had committed suicide, and Lucille had made
previous attempts.

She had, in recent years, divorced her husband of 26
years. All her married life, she had given to and done for her
husband and four, now adult, offspring. So, emotionally
exhausted, she joined a therapy group.

In the course of 14 months in group, she learned to ask for
herself, to define and hold to boundaries when it came to her
family's inroads on her, and both to receive nurturance from
her fellow group members and to nurture herself.

Termination in Focal groups is tied to the time and duration which has been clearly specified within the initial orientation. Often, focal groups will try to negotiate additional sessions with the leader, as though there will be tremendous additional progress made. This is usually not the case and needs to be avoided. The request for more time is usually based on fear of relapse and the painful recognition of an important, worthwhile experience ending. These concerns need to be addressed directly.

The termination in Focal groups, similar to that in short-term, psychodynamic groups, is utilized to focus the therapy and expedite the therapeutic work. Tying everything together is a typical issue dealt with during the termination stage of Focal groups.

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