Yalom Reflection

Group Reflection
Elements of Yalom’s therapeutic factors were apparent over the course of the semester while experiencing and conducting our breakout groups. Yalom refers to 11 therapeutic factors in the practice of successful group therapy with them being: installation of hope, universality, imparting information, altruism, corrective recapitulation of primary family, development of socializing techniques, imitative behavior, interpersonal learning, group cohesiveness, catharsis, existential factors. Below, will be a reflection of my experience in the group over the course of the semester.
Group Cohesiveness
Of the 11 factors, group cohesiveness or the warmth of the group in which everyone felt that they belonged was readily apparent at the

These factors all go hand in hand due to them having to do with interpersonal interaction. Conflict did arise during one of our sessions and I believe everyone fell into their familial roles, with mediators, appeasers and ones that stay out of the conversation (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005, p. 31). As the conflict arose, I looked towards the group leaders to see how they would handle the conflict between the members as well as observed the reaction of the remainder of the group to see how they were choosing to deal with the situation. This to me was a learning experience to see how others dealt with conflict resolution and to apply it to my own future experiences. Not only did the conflict provide an opportunity for imitation of behavior for the future and development of social techniques, it also highlighted each member’s own internal framework. To me the conflict occurred out of misunderstanding and personal projection, along with defensiveness, to others the conflict may have been perceived as necessary according to their past experiences and personality. This conflict was settled quickly, but I believe that had it been a group of strangers that were not already established as classmates, we would have been better able to experience the

85). The group however was candid and authentic in their self-expression; it was simply emotionally regulated and polite. The lack of catharsis did not interfere with the positive aspects of our group.
Existentialism
Our group topics were engaging and discussed personal matters that affected our lives. It is nice to have a sense of group cohesiveness, altruism and universality, but despite the closeness it does make one realize in the end that our problems are still ours alone. At the same time, it is good to have support and have others that resonate with your experiences and know that life is difficult and that it can be unfair (Yalom & Leszcz, 2005, p. 90).
Conclusion
In conclusion this semesters group therapy, has been a great learning experience to understand the therapeutic elements of the group. In the previous semesters of practicum, it was mostly about the experience and developing self-awareness, but with this semester, I can lead group with greater understanding of it’s effectiveness and what to be careful of when conducting group. The 11 therapeutic factors as expressed by Yalom, was apparent over the course of the semester, with each therapeutic factor playing its