Opening Insights
There are a number of personal and mental health issues that plague the world today. From issues of stress and anger to more serious issues of PTSD, suicide, addiction, depression and personality disorders.
Informational Insights
In a report produced by the Centre for Psychological Services Research, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, UK , commissioned by the Institute of Group Analysis, London (IGA) in conjunction with The Group Analytic Society (GAS) it was found that:
The studies examined, including earlier reviews, consistently support the use of Group Psychotherapy as an effective approach, across diverse conditions, participant groups and settings. In addition, there may be important effects of age, sex, self-efficacy, psychological mindedness and the quality of object relations on outcomes; attachment style and interpersonal distress have an important bearing on group attendance.
(University of Sheffield, Dec 2009)
Over the last 30 years, “studies have shown the growing benefits of group psychotherapy in a number of areas of life challenges” (American Group Psychotherapy Association, n.d.). Groups provide individuals with a forum of peer support, and the opportunity to gain and grow in strength as they share their feelings and experiences with others who are or have faced similar obstacles (AGPA, n.d.). Some people “gain strength in seeing the resourcefulness of those in the same situation, while others renew their feelings of self-worth through assisting others” (AGPA, n.d.).
Seasoned group therapists recognize that the success of individual group members is intimately linked to the overall health of the group-as-a-whole. Indeed, a sizable portion of the clinical and empirical literature delineates therapeutic factors and mechanisms that have been linked with healthy well-functioning therapy groups. Mechanisms of action are interventions or therapeutic processes that are considered to be causal agents that mediate client improvement (Barron & Kenny, 1986). These mechanisms take many forms, including experiential, behavioral and cognitive interventions, as well as processes central to the treatment itself, such as the therapeutic relationship.
However, the number of empirical studies, in particular of high quality RCTs, into the effectiveness of Group Analysis and Analytic/Dynamic Group Psychotherapy is small.
The methodological quality of the studies identified was variable. Unpublished outcome measures with unknown psychometric properties were too often used, and the variety of outcome measures made it impossible to conduct meta-analysis. In respect of reporting, the terminology used to describe the therapeutic interventions was often ill-defined. Key words were omitted from titles and abstracts thus making it difficult to capture these studies via electronic searches. These problems presented significant methodological challenges to the review.
The relatively low numbers of currently available studies on GA and A/D group Psychotherapy presents both a challenge and an opportunity to the therapeutic community to undertake research into these group approaches in order to consolidate these conclusions.
(University of Sheffield, Dec 2009)
The Pocket Wisdom Insights collaborative group process provides all the advantages of group therapy as well as the transformative tools, educational skills, emotional development and culture to support individuals and the collective group in learn how “to be in the world, but not of the world” (Jorgensen, 2010). The group process based on principles allows group members to meet one another on an equal (learning) level creating a culture of common educational goals and purpose to uncover and discover resolution in believable and achievable ways.
This approach uses principle-based teachings to create a foundation of group norms and “rules.” These teachings are delivered through a systematic and seamless computer based process known as PLT (Personal Learning Technology). This provides a measurable evidence-based process comprising of the following interdependent features and Steps:
- Offline PLT Learning eMod Computer Viewings
- Offline Companion Study Guides/ Workbooks
- Online Feedback Assessments
- Online / eMail Content Feedback
- Online Facilitation
- Reporting
- Learner Participation and Contribution –Learner Applications
Using this proven and replicatable process as a foundation for group norms and “rules” has effectively shown to create a group environment conducive and supportive of change. More testing is needed to verify its effectiveness in RCT. We hypothesis that the application of the Pocket Wisdom Insights model will enhance the effectiveness, efficacy, reliability and viability of Group Therapy, while providing an evidence based approach that can lead to greater usage across multiple settings and spheres.
Sources:
American Group Psychotherapy Association (n.d.). Group Works! Evidence on the Effectiveness of Group Therapy. Retrieved on 18 May, 2011, from: //www.agpa.org/efficacy-brochure.htm.
University of Sheffield (Dec 2009). A Systematic Review of the Efficacy and Clinical Effectiveness of Group Analysis and Analytic/Dynamic Group Psychotherapy. Retrieved on 6 June, 2016, from: //groupanalyticsociety.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/file/IGA_GAS_FINAL_REPORT.pdf.
Possibilities for Consideration
Take a moment and examine…
- As you reviewed the material above, what stood out to you?
- What is the potential impact, economically and/or socially?
- What action is needed to stop or support this idea?
- You may want to consider whether you:
- want to be aware of,
- should become supportive of,
- would want to be active in this topic?
Add Your Insight
I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply.
Being willing is not enough; we must do.
LEONARDO DA VINCI