GPALA Presents: Preparing and Screening Prospective Group Members

Presenter: Keith Rand, LMFT, CGP, FAGPA

A workshop designed to investigate the importance of member selection and preparation that affect each member’s group experience

Experienced group therapists understand the importance of thoroughly screening prospective group members and of preparing them adequately to get the most benefit out of the therapy experience. Too often, when this process is not given the attention it deserves, group members struggle to know how to use the group and may even terminate their participation prematurely. In this workshop, we will discuss why this process is so crucial and how to conduct these individual meetings so that group members begin their participation on the right foot.

Course Description

The individual meetings that group leaders have with prospective group members are informed by three goals: (1) assessing the client’s fit with group therapy and with the particular group at hand; (2) developing a beginning therapeutic alliance between therapist and client so that the client has at least a minimum attachment to the therapist upon entering; and (3) preparing the client to get the most benefit from group therapy through a discussion that might include the client’s expectations, the goals of the therapy, and the frame within which the therapy is conducted, also known as the group contract.

Many group therapists feel ill equipped to conduct these sessions and may therefore give this step in the process shorter shrift than is ideal. We will discuss questions to be asked by the therapist as well as ways for the therapist to respond to questions and concerns that come from the client. Workshop participants will gain greater comfort and understanding of the pregroup interview, including how to gain insight into the client’s relationship dynamics that are likely to become evident once the group begins.

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will:

1. Describe three reasons for the therapist to spend adequate time and attention on group preparation of its members.
2. List five agreements that make sense to include in a “group contract” in order to create the conditions for the most beneficial therapy.
3. Explain the relationship between the group therapist’s goals for the therapy and the client’s concerns about participation.

4 CEs will be given for attendance.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds will be given if you notify us by email (lkennygpala@gmail.com) 7 days prior to the event. After that a credit will be issued for a future workshop of your choosing.