Posted by TherapyGirl on March 1, 2006, at 9:08:52
In reply to Re: Need some emergency advice, posted by pegasus on March 1, 2006, at 8:49:16
> In my limited experience with groups, one problem that I saw was that the same people tended to want to talk all the time. Those of us who were more shy ended up doing a lot of listening. Which is ok, I suppose, but I would have felt more comfortable if the therapists in charge had been a little more involved in making sure everyone had a chance to talk. There were things I wanted to talk about, too, but I had trouble asserting my needs in a group setting. I suppose that was part of the point of being in a group - to work on that. But instead, I just got frustrated and eventually quit, feeling like a failure because I "wasn't the right kind of person to be in a group." You might want to check out her philosophy about managing different personalities and needs within the group.
>
> good luck!
>
> pegThis happened to me, too. I think the therapist has to be gifted about helping with this -- not just leave you out there on your own.
Another problem I had with group was that even when I felt desperate to discuss something with the group, I would keep it short when I knew there were others waiting their turns. Towards the end of the group experience, we were spending all of our time around one individual with big issues. I understood she needed extra support, I just didn't think it should be at the exclusion of the other group members and said so. When nothing ultimately changed, I just stopped going.
Having said that, parts of the experience were very positive. I met a woman who ended up being a close friend in that group.
I'll be interested to hear about your experiences if you decide to go, Daisy.
poster:TherapyGirl
thread:614445
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060225/msgs/614578.html