Group Therapy

© 2021 Walden University, LLC 1

Group Therapy Program Transcript

INTRODUCTION

Warning: The following scenario discusses abuse and violence and can be emotionally triggering. The scenario lasts 5–7 minutes. If you need to exit the scenario, please stop at any time.

This is the first group therapy session in a weekly series that you’ll be leading. The group is composed of participants who have all been court mandated to attend anger management therapy.

NOTE: When you click on a hyperlink in this document, you will move to the intended result of the described response or action.

THE PARTICIPANTS

• TREY – White male in his late 30s. Trey is here because he started a bar fight.

• ALI – White female in her late 20s. Ali is here because of a road rage–related incident.

• ROD – Black male in his early 30s. Rod is here because he got in a fight with his son’s soccer coach at a game.

• MARCUS – Latino male in his mid-30s. Marcus is here because he got into a physical altercation with his mother.

• LAURA – White female in her early 40s. Laura is here because of a dispute she had with a neighbor.

After you have reviewed them all, ask everyone to please take a seat.

START THE SESSION

(Ali, Marcus, and Laura are seated as Trey and Rod move from the back of the room to take their seats. Laura is applying lipstick.)

Group Therapy

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DECISION POINT 1

You introduce yourself to the group. How do you open the session?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Outline the rules for the group.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 1 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Enlist the group to create the rules together.

RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 1 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• Rule creation is more successful when they’re created by the group rather than dictated by the leader.

• Click here to continue. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Yes. Rule creation is more successful when created by the group rather than dictated by the leader.

• Click here to continue.

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ALI: (Immediately) I do. No interrupting.

(The group half-heartedly nods in agreement.)

TREY: Be respectful.

ALI: Oh, and always make sure to use "I" statements, like "I feel," you know?

TREY: Yeah, but swearing should be allowed, though, right?

ALI: Absolutely, but you also need to make sure to really listen to other people. Sometimes it can be really boring hearing other people talk about their problems. But you need to make sure to offer real thoughts and ideas and not zone out, you know?

DECISION POINT 2

What’s happening in the group now?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: The group is doing a great job of brainstorming rules.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 2 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: A few group members are dominating the brainstorm.

RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 2 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• Some group members are doing a good job, but it’s important to make sure everyone’s voices are heard.

• Click here to step in and encourage others to speak. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Right. It’s important for you to step in and make sure everyone’s voices are being heard.

• Click here to step in and encourage others to speak.

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TREY: (Laughing) Give the others a chance to add their rules. It's not my fault they're all so quiet. (Yelling and motions his arms to other participants) If y'all want to talk, well, freaking talk then.

(Few seconds of silence)

ROD: Well, I like those rules. I think we should think about adding another one about not being on our phones but being present.

LAURA: Whatever.

MARCUS: (Quietly) Sounds fine.

ACTION POINT

Reiterate the rules everyone suggested and confirm the group agrees to follow them.

o Click here to ask, “Does everyone agree to follow the group rules.”

TREY: Yeah, yeah, yeah, we get it. We agree. (Shouting) Basically, don't be an asshole! (Laughs heartily.)

(Rod, Marcus, and Ali laugh. Laura is annoyed.)

ACTION POINT

Ask everyone to introduce themselves, share why they’re here, and say what they want to get out of the experience.

o Click here to continue.

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ALI: Hi. I'm Ali. N–

TREY: (Interrupts) Yeah, I'll start. I'm Trey. And it's kind of weird that I'm here because I'm actually not really an angry person. Just because you smash a beer bottle over some dude's head in a bar doesn't mean you've got anger issues. If anything, I've probably got drinking issues, (Laughs) right?

(The other participants sit in silence and do not respond.)

DECISION POINT 3

How do you respond to Trey?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Thank him for sharing.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 3 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Ignore that he interrupted Ali.

RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 3 -OR-

3. YOUR RESPONSE: Inform him that he interrupted Ali.

RESPONSE OPTION 3 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 3 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• Trey interrupted Ali, who was getting ready to share first. Remind Trey that interrupting is not allowed.

• Click here to inform him that he interrupted Ali. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• While it’s tempting to ignore this minor infraction, it sets the tone for the group. Remind Trey that interrupting is not allowed.

• Click here to inform him that he interrupted Ali. RESPONSE 3 – FEEDBACK

• That is the correct response.

• Click here to continue.

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TREY: Oh, come on, I didn't interrupt her. She barely said two words. (Half-heartedly) Fine. Sorry, Ali.

ALI: (Shrugs shoulders) It's OK. (Sits forward in her seat). Hi. I'm Ali. And I am honestly the least angry person you will ever meet. I'm actually a very happy person, except when I am driving. (Giggles, thinking this is endearing.) Um … anyway, I lost my patience in traffic a couple of weeks ago and had an altercation with this crazy person. It wasn't my finest moment, and I would like to learn to do better.

(Few seconds of silence)

ROD: Hi. I'm Rod. I punched my son's soccer coach. You know, I've been in groups like this before—therapy, I mean. And I found it helpful. It's just it can be hard for me to remember everything when I'm in the heat of the moment. So … ugh … yeah, I guess I had a backslide.

TREY: Fighting your kid's soccer coach? Yeah, I'd say! That's brutal, man.

DECISION POINT 4

How do you respond?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Don’t acknowledge Trey’s outburst.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 4 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Tell Trey he needs to be respectful. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 4 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• It’s important not to ignore this kind of outburst. Remind Trey that one of the rules is to be respectful.

• Click here to tell Trey he needs to be respectful. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Correct. Remind Trey that one of the rules was to be respectful. He hasn’t been doing this.

• Click here to continue.

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TREY: (Toward you) What's your problem? It's like you've had it out for me ever since I walked in the door. (Laughs) Fine. Then I'll just sit here quietly. I don't want to say anything disrespectful. (Crosses his arms contemptuously)

ACTION POINT

Don’t let Trey acting out derail you. Invite Marcus to introduce himself.

o Click here to continue.

MARCUS: Well, I'm Marcus. (Clears throat) I need to finish up 40 hours of this to complete my court order. And that's why I'm here.

DECISION POINT 5

Marcus didn’t share much about himself or why he is here.

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Don’t push him; he’s not ready to open up yet.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 5 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Gently ask him to share a bit more. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 5 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• It’s a good time to encourage Marcus to share more, if he’s comfortable.

• Click here to gently ask him to share a bit more. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Correct. It’s a good time to encourage Marcus to share more, if he’s comfortable.

• Click here to Continue.

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MARCUS: Yeah, not a big talker. But I'm here because I shoved my mom.

ALI: Whoa, you hurt your mom? That's like, really bad.

TREY: (Laughs) Oh, come on, he just shoved someone, no big deal. (To Marcus) You definitely shouldn't be here, man.

MARCUS: I just want to be a better son, figured maybe this will help.

LAURA: (Under her breath) It won't.

ALI: (Looks up at the ceiling and then to Laura) OK, what's with the attitude? We just got here. Could you make an effort, please?

(Laura sighs and looks straight ahead.)

DECISION POINT 6

What’s happening right now?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Laura’s attitude is problematic.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 6 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Ali’s attitude is problematic. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 6 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• Both Laura and Ali are creating a judgmental environment. It’s time for you to intervene.

• Click here to ask Laura and Ali how they can best support Marcus right now.

RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Both Laura and Ali are creating a judgmental environment. It’s time for you to intervene.

• Click here to ask Laura and Ali how they can best support Marcus right not.

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ALI: Probably just by listening.

LAURA: Yeah. Sorry, Marcus.

MARCUS: That's cool.

DECISION POINT 7

How do you proceed?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Finish group introductions.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 7 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Let Marcus talk more since he was interrupted. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 7 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• Correct. Laura didn’t introduce herself yet. Make sure to finish introductions before further exploring individual issues.

• Click here to continue. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• You’re very close to finishing introductions. Make sure Laura has a chance to introduce herself before further exploring individual issues.

• Click here to continue.

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LAURA: Okay … um. Hi, I'm Laura. I also think it's BS that I have to be here. (Eye rolling) I have a crazy neighbor who called the cops on me for smoking outside my own freaking house. I confronted him about it. He called me white trash, so I may or may not have gently shoved him and said some choice words.

Now it's, like, whatever. I just think it's hilarious that I'm the one that's here even though it's him who has obvious anger issues. I never would have gotten in a fight with him if he wasn't such a wacko. So, he made me do it!

DECISION POINT 8

How do you respond?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Tell Laura that another person can’t “make” you do anything.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 8 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Give the group a second to jump in and advise. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 8 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• When leading a group therapy session, it’s good for other members to chime in with thoughts and advice first.

• Click here to continue. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Correct. When leading a group therapy session, it’s good for other members to chime in with thoughts and advice first.

• Click here to continue.

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ROB: (To Laura) No one can make you do something.

LAURA: Yeah, they can. If they're being a complete nut job and they get all up in your face it's, like, not your fault if you do something extreme.

TREY: (Laughs in agreement) Amen to that.

DECISION POINT 9

Now how do you respond?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Move on from this topic and ask someone else to share.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 9 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Keep encouraging Laura to think differently. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 9 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• Stick with Laura a bit longer; your role is to challenge your clients to take responsibility for their actions and learn.

• Click here to encourage Laura to think differently. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Correct. Your role is to encourage your clients to take responsibility for their actions and learn.

• Click here to continue.

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LAURA: Yeah, I hear what you're saying. I control how I react to people in situations. But how? How do I let some asshole disrespect me and just stay chill?

DECISION POINT 10

How do you respond?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Give Laura and the group tips on how to deal with this.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 10 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Ask the group members what they think. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 10 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

• Instead of giving Laura tips and tactics, give the group time to make suggestions. This is one of the key benefits of group therapy.

• Click here to ask the group members what they think. RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

• Correct. Give the group time to make suggestions rather than jumping in yourself. This is one of the key benefits of group therapy.

• Click here to continue.

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ROB: Well, sometimes what works for me is just take a deep breath. I mean, it sounds cheesy, but I've learned that if I count to 10 in my head and just breathe, it gives me a second to think. Because if I react immediately, I'm going to regret it.

TREY: I usually just say what I feel. And if someone's feelings get hurt in the process, (Laughs) that's their problem.

ALI: (Sarcastically) Wow, Trey, thank you. That was really helpful.

TREY: What's your deal?

ALI: What's my deal?

TREY: Yeah.

ALI: My deal is you've been dominating this conversation for the whole entire time. Maybe if you'd let someone, like anybody else, talk for a freaking second. You know, I am so sick of listening to dudes just talk and talk and talk.

(Trey laughs)

DECISION POINT 11

How do you react?

1. YOUR RESPONSE: Tell Laura to calm down.

RESPONSE OPTION 1 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 11 -OR-

2. YOUR RESPONSE: Ask Laura how interacting with Trey makes her feel. RESPONSE OPTION 2 – CLICK HERE TO CHOOSE THIS RESPONSE FOR DECISION POINT 11 RESPONSE 1 – FEEDBACK

LAURA: Calm down? Calm down? Why don’t you tell all these other people to calm down, OK? I thought you were supposed to be helping us, not judging us. You know what? Screw this. (Laura gets out of her chair to leave the session.)

• Laura has lost trust in you and this process. The only way to try and get back on track is to express understanding and ask to start over.

o Click here to apologize and express understanding and ask to start over.

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RESPONSE 2 – FEEDBACK

LAURA: I don’t know. Maybe it’s because every man in my entire life won’t shut the hell up. They’re always talking so much shit. You know like, “Laura, do this. Laura, do that. No, you’re doing it wrong. Do it this way.” I can’t get two freaking words in unless I’m screaming. It’s maddening.

• Asking the participants how they feel about something is a good way to get them to try to articulate complicated emotions.

o Click here to continue.

LAURA: (Takes a deep breath) OK, can someone else go or something? I just need a second.

ACTION POINT

Ask the rest of the group who wants to share next.

o Click here to continue.

ROB: I—I guess I'll go next.

(Fade to black)

Conclusion

You’ve completed the exercise

Click here to start the experience again.