Group grope anyone?

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Group grope anyone?

by Usksider ^Pro @ 15.05.2008 – 16:20:13

Have you ever attended a group therapy session? I'm currently in the middle of a series of anxiety management sessions...

If you've never been to a group therapy thing, you might have a misguided idea of what goes on... for instance, I had some strange concept that I'd be in a room full of strangers, all looking slightly embarrassed and me on my feet standing up and saying "Hi. My name is John and I'm one of the crazies!"

The reality of the situation was rather different... more like one of the group sessions as portrayed by 'Mad' Jack Nicholson and his fellow actors in One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest. Trust me, if you've never seen that film, rent it... it's brilliant and in many respects closer to the truth than you might believe.

So anyway, I always come away from these group sessions feeling as though someone has been messing with my head. As though I've been abused in some way. Like maybe I've had my feelings groped by some raving sex-fiend!

Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying all group work is bad, just that my particular group doesn't seem to be working for me. The dynamics of the group are such that the dominant personalities completely overpower the rest, including the leader, so we always end up talking about the same things...

Group therapy is supposed to help, but I always leave feeling annoyed, frustrated and knackered...

I'd be interested to hear the views of others on the whole group therapy thing.
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20 Comments to Group grope anyone?

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- ablogger
- 15.05.2008 @ 17:01:47
That //always// happens in those kinda places. Nightmare

*hug*
- - Usksider ^Pro
  - http://www.usksider.co.uk
  - 15.05.2008 @ 17:04:14
  Have you had a bad experience too?
  - - ablogger
    - 15.05.2008 @ 17:07:26
    Yes. There's always one or two who completely hog the floor and steer the conversation towards their illness
    
    I would do it too ... if I wasn't so embarrassed amidst the whole 'I will show you mine if you show me yours' scenario
    - - Usksider ^Pro
      - http://www.usksider.co.uk
      - 15.05.2008 @ 17:09:57
      Yeah I know what you mean... it's all a bit touchy feely and cardigans for me....
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- jenray ^Pro
- http://www.jenniferhunter.co.uk
- 15.05.2008 @ 17:13:23
I saw One flew over the cuckoo's nest and you're right it was brilliant and so sad too...sorry, Usksider, but I think I'd run a mile before going to one of those sessions...there has to be a better way of handling your anxiety...maybe you could try one of the Buddhist centres where they do meditation and relaxation courses...far better surely than sitting through sessions similar to the film's portrayal of such an event...Hope you find something that suits you...want to ask why the anxiety but maybe I shouldn't....great big hugs...XXX
- - Usksider ^Pro
  - http://www.usksider.co.uk
  - 15.05.2008 @ 17:18:10
  The anxieties arrived with my depression...
  
  I was referred to this group and it seems if I want to get back on to one-to-one counselling then I have to stick with it.
  - - jenray ^Pro
    - http://www.jenniferhunter.co.uk
    - 15.05.2008 @ 19:02:27
    Oh, sorry to hear that, Usksider...I did have experience a couple of times in my life when I had a one to one series of sessions when seriously depressed but don't think I could have dealt with group therapy...but, if it's a way into one to one, I guess you'll have to stick with it...hope it doesn't last too long...I think there are so many depressed people around now that one to one is such a long wait, you get diverted into group therapy if the need is considered great enough...in the end though, and I've known several people who've been in one to one therapy for years, only you can cure yourself...they're just a lot poorer now, because paid for the psychologists or psychiatrist's time... great big hugs...XXX
    - - Usksider ^Pro
      - http://www.usksider.co.uk
      - 15.05.2008 @ 19:24:52
      Therapy can cost a small fortune; I'd hate to be undergoing therapy over a protracted period.
      
      I'm keeping very positive about my recovery. I know I'll get there in time.
      
      Thanks for the hugs Jen.
      - jenray ^Pro
        
        http://www.jenniferhunter.co.uk
        
        15.05.2008 @ 20:50:32
        
        Well there's a lot of people here rooting for you, so hang in there, Usky...if it gets bad, you can always come here for a chin wag and a hug...and here's another...great big hugs to you and loads of love...XXX
        
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        Usksider ^Pro
        
        http://www.usksider.co.uk
        
        16.05.2008 @ 07:59:29
        
        Thanks again Jen.
        
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- xmillyxxx ^Pro
- 15.05.2008 @ 18:03:20
Hey hun...firtsly...love the header!

Well...i had group therapy last year, and it was awfull, like you have found, some people seem to dominate the group, and want all the attention. I gave up after 3 sessions. I prefer the one on one that i get with my counseller, i find i say more when with him, than i ever did in the group. if you feel it's not working for you, maybe give something else a go??

hope ya as ok as can be.
((hugs)) xx
- - Usksider ^Pro
  - http://www.usksider.co.uk
  - 15.05.2008 @ 18:18:13
  Just a variation on the group hug thingy...
  Glad it gave you a smile though.
  
  I've promised I'll finish the sessions so I'm going to stick with them. Not my idea of fun though and yes, I found the one-to-one sessions I'd previously received far more useful.
  
  I'm doing okay... how's you? Recovered from yesterday's session yet?
  - - xmillyxxx ^Pro
    - 15.05.2008 @ 18:32:44
    Im glad that you are sticking to them, it shows willing .You never know, you might benefit from them in the long run.
    
    Glad ya doing ok hun, im not too bad today, yesterdays session was very emotional, im glad it's today! If that makes sense?
    
    -x-
    - - Usksider ^Pro
      - http://www.usksider.co.uk
      - 15.05.2008 @ 18:38:34
      Makes perfect sense to me... I know the "I'm glad that day's over" feeling.
      
      I'm pleased things have improved.
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- shakeberry ^Pro
- 15.05.2008 @ 18:50:17
After reading the header I was all set.....anyways as for group therapy, I tried it a few times, but just stayed quiet. I felt the more dominant people took over. Plus I observed people, and some embellished their stories, others just wanted attention, some who were genuine were more cagey.
- - Usksider ^Pro
  - http://www.usksider.co.uk
  - 15.05.2008 @ 18:54:19
  That all sounds very familiar...
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- antlady69 ^Pro
- http://antmusic-forever.blog.co.uk
- 16.05.2008 @ 08:14:32
John, has anyone brought up the issue? At least talk to the counsellor and explain to him how you (and presumably the others too) feel. He must change his own behaviour (of allowing the domineering person to continue) and take care of all you others as well, not just one person.

I've had two group therapies so far, both during post-op rehabs. In one case the counsellors were either not interested or also didn't know what to do because NOBODY spoke! Nobody wanted to reveal anything about themselves or was too shy or something, so we all just sat there for an hour saying nothing.
I still think those were bad counsellors

The second time the counsellors were trained psychiatrists, and they were far better. They made it a point to let everyone speak, starting with questions on how the weekends were spent, then giving everyone a chance to talk about their problems.

I still don't like group therapies, I agree that one-to-one sessions are far more effective. How much longer do you have to go to group therapy before you can return to one-to-one?
- - Usksider ^Pro
  - http://www.usksider.co.uk
  - 19.05.2008 @ 07:19:46
  Yes, a few of us spoke out last week and things became quite difficult for a while. Raised voices, tears... I wouldn't be surprised if the group shrinks again this week.
  
  There's a special skill required to be able to work in groups and the leaders need to learn it. It sounds as though the people leading your first session were about as useful as those leading mine.
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- wendlane
- http://www.moondustandangels.co.uk
- 16.05.2008 @ 13:54:39
Hi Usky -I don't do group therapy - I am a 'one to one' type I think, but of course for some it is perfect and right for them.

The last time I went for counselling I felt patronised and left feeling angry and let down. CBT is supposed to be very helpful for some -have you heard of it? It's Cognitive which is sort of re-programming.
- - Usksider ^Pro
  - http://www.usksider.co.uk
  - 19.05.2008 @ 07:37:22
  I've had some CBT sessions and my experience indicates the current group sessions are CBT based - but very badly executed.
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