Intervening: Challenges in Group

1. Intervening: Challenges in Group • The question is not weather you will have resistant, noncompliant, difficult uncooperative group members, but rather how many will you have. • Remember, often within challenging behaviors and/or situations there lies opportunity. • Under no circumstances can you afford to loose control of your group. Otherwise, people will get hurt; chaos will result and; the destructive behavior will be reinforced. • You should have a good idea why, when and how to intervene, but you won’t know it all.

2. Intervening: Challenges in Group • E[xc]lusive Members • Silent/Resistant • Shy or general uneasiness • Seeking attention • Protecting ones self • Not in group “by choice”-asserting power • Unwilling to conform • Fear of judgment or failure • Jealousy of others success • Stalling for time

3. Intervening: Challenges in Group • “Intervening” with the Silent/Resistant Member • Proaction: Addressing risk-taking, vulnerability, mistrust, lack of control, fears, etc. early on in group lays a foundation for clients to reflect and for the leader to revisit. Does anyone here feel like this...? • Assessing: Does the person want to join but not know how to? What is the silence communicating? What has the minimal response been (who, what, when)? Is it beyond their capability? Cultural influences? • Locating a Bridge: Once meaning of behavior is identified, the “issue” can be addressed more directly. This may be done via cuing, linking, supporting, etc. • Silence does not = no growth • Journals: Great way to discover personal growth • One-on-one

4. Argumentative • Lisa:I finally had the opportunity to talk with my husband- • Frank: I bet that was a joy. • Lisa: Actually it went much better than I anticipated. • Frank: Yeah, is that because you just kept talking and didn’t let him say anything? • Lisa: [stunned] Umm.. • Frank: What, no ones ever told ya you talk too much? • Leader: Frank, is there another- • Frank: I’m just telling her like it is. What’s the deal? You tell us to be honest here, so what’s the problem? Is it about you having the last word? Huh? • Leader: Actually- • Frank: Actually, that’s it yeah? Whenever we say something that doesn’t sit right with you, you call the shots-well remember its our group. • Leader: ??

5. Intervening: Challenges in Group • Disrespectful and Abusive Members • Argumentative • Asserts power by initiating arguments, creating chaos/ controversy and/or is late or misses sessions. • Intervening • Regulate affect. There&then vs. here&now material? • Protect other members and boundaries by blocking. • Allow group to diffuse and/or unravel the argument: Is there something in particular you want from the group Frank? What are others feeling right now as Frank expresses himself? I’m wondering if anyone can tell us what it is Frank is so upset about or invested in? • Threat to Harm Self, Others, Property • Leader must demonstrate to group he/she is taking immediate action. • Use group for support, though not to resolve. • Informed Consent and Tarasoff Statute

6. Intervening: Challenges in Group • Members Contributing to Lack of Direction • Conscious/Unconscious Rambling • Use group cues: Sam I noticed when Tim was talking… • Intervene the filibuster to summarize (Is “content” available?) Invite group to summarize. • Be direct: Tim, when you were talking I lost focus. I notice.. • Revisit goals and challenge client to use group as a place to work on goals (bring homework to group) • Stagnant Group • I'm really bored. Is anyone else feel that way? • Lets get the blood moving here, everyone stand up… • I don’t know about others, but if I were a member of this group I would feel hoodwinked. Think about it, you’ve taken time out of your life to be here and… • Time for something different, lets break up in triads and consult one another about how to refigure group to be more inspiring or to better meet your needs.

7. Intervening: Challenges in Group • Self-Serving Members • Manipulative • Intentional desire to undermine the group due to an “injustice” committed against them and wanting revenge; desire for power and control; a need for attention; or wanting to just keep the group from getting close; often serving as protection. • Excessive approval seeking: Thank you so much for your help. This is the absolute best group I have ever been a part of. You are so good at what you do. • Attention seeking • Power struggles • Boundary testing: Can’t we stay a little longer tonight? I really a have some important information to share.

8. Intervening: Challenges in Group • Self-Serving Members continued • Manipulative • Intervening • Bring the issue out in the open immediately. This initially may be done by cuing others, than by leaders intervention: • Terry, it seems by the look on your face you were surprised by what Darren just said. • Darren I’m wondering what your true intention is behind your words? If I’m not mistaken, I would say you are attempting to manipulate the group. Can you tell us why that may be the case? • Enforce strict boundaries when necessary, reminding the individual and group how destructive behavior undermines the integrity of the group process. • If necessary address outside of group, possibly requesting the individual to resign from the group.

9. Closure • Leader: Just a heads up, we have 10 minutes before group ends, so I want to check in to see if there’s anything we need to follow up on? • Perry: Well, I know we’re almost out of time, but the problems I have been having with my wife, well…

10. Intervening: Challenges in Group • Bomb Dropper • Often a failed last ditch effort to take a pre-planned risk. • Or a client consciously or unconsciously not wanting to deal with the consequences of their actions or statements. • Intervening when a group member drops a “bomb” at closing time. • Supporting. • Express concern for limited time necessary to appropriately explore the issue. • Start with client the following meeting.