Group Therapy Theory Paper

461 Words2 Pages

There are numerous group therapy theories including systems therapy, psychodynamic therapy, field theory, learning theory, and social exchange theory. Systems therapy aims at exploring the roles of each member in relation to effective functioning and it applies in communities, families, or organizations. The theory pinpoints certain patterns of behavior and the response of each member towards anxiety in the dynamic. Consequently, group members work towards healthy and secure relationships so that their welfare and interaction can improve. Systems therapy can help resolve issues by aligning individuals to positive behavioral patterns. As a prominent dynamic of psychotherapy, this theory takes community as essential in its psychological health and rescue since there is active participation in one’s therapy for issue resolution (Higdon, 2012). Communication is a vital tool in this therapy since it …show more content…

In this theory, therapists facilitate self-review of people’s thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and experiences to understand their scope and assess their trends. Identifying trends helps to evade distress or adopt defense mechanisms so that they can adapt or change the patterns. In psychodynamic therapy, the therapeutic relationship is crucial since it shows the way a client associates with acquaintances (Higdon, 2012). Furthermore, the transfer of feelings can reveal how relationship trends affect the person currently, which can be influential in transforming the dynamic. Unconscious thoughts influence behavior, and the moment it processes painful feelings, they are alleviated by the defense mechanisms. According to Higdon (2012), psychological interpretation of emotional and mental processes is informed by ego psychology, object relations, and self-psychology. Psychodynamic therapy acts as a simpler alternative of