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In this article, we introduce a preliminary, neurobiologically informed model of group therapy that links the timing and nature of specific group interventions with hypothesized changing neurobiological needs of the group. We suggest that the observed phases of group development reflect an underlying reorganization of neuronal circuitry that occurs as members progress through a hierarchically organized treatment, and that this reorganization involves the integration and homeostatic rebalancing of subcortical and neural networks. Our preliminary Dynamic Relational Model suggests that an understanding of the neurobiological processes involved in group development may help inform and direct effective group-based psychotherapy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Study of improvisational theater suggests practices that can help us respond more fully in a therapeutic way. Improvisation is a powerful tool that emphasizes present-centered awareness and spontaneity. It helps us respond effectively to present moment processes, a key requirement for psychodynamic group psychotherapy. It enhances our ability to communicate with our patients when traditional interventions fail. Improvisation requires a readiness to play and a willingness to be open to the challenges of non-rational modes of relating. This article provides clinical examples of improvised group interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objectives Few studies outside United Kingdom have documented effects of mentalization-based treatment ( MBT) for patients with borderline personality disorder ( BPD). This study aimed to investigate outcomes for BPD patients treated in an MBT programme in a Norwegian specialist treatment unit and compare benefits of the implemented MBT with the unit's former psychodynamic treatment programme. Design A naturalistic, longitudinal, comparison of treatment effects for BPD patients before and after transition to MBT. Methods The sample consisted of 345 BPD patients treated in the period 1993-2013. Before 2008, patients were admitted to a psychodynamic treatment programme ( n = 281), after 2008 patients received MBT ( n = 64). Symptom distress, interpersonal problems, and global functioning were assessed repeatedly throughout the treatment. Suicidal/self-harming acts, hospital admissions, medication, and occupational status were assessed at the start and end of treatment. Therapists' competence and adherence to MBT was rated and found satisfactory. The statistical method for longitudinal analyses was mixed models. Results BPD patients in MBT and in the former psychodynamic treatment programme had comparable baseline severity and impairments of functioning. BPD patients in MBT had a remarkably low drop-out rate (2%), significantly lower than the former treatment. Improvements of symptom distress, interpersonal, global and occupational functioning were significantly greater for MBT patients. Large reductions in suicidal/self-harming acts, hospital admissions, and use of medication were evident in the course of both treatments. Conclusions The study confirms the effectiveness of MBT for BPD patients and indicates greater clinical benefits than in traditional psychodynamic treatment programmes. Practitioner points MBT is an effective treatment for patients with BPD., MBT can successfully be implemented in therapeutic settings outside United Kingdom and may be more beneficial than psychodynamic treatment programmes for BPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the perspectives of women with eating disorder diagnoses regarding their experiences of participating in an emotion-focused therapy group treatment for eating disorders. From the early sessions the group members chose to focus on self-criticism, the issue they viewed as most salient. Methods Data were collected through participant feedback forms and letters the participants wrote to their self-critical voices towards the end of treatment. Findings Thematic analysis revealed six broad themes: (a) struggling to separate from the critic; (b) recognising the destructive impact of the critic; (c) recognising the protective function of the critic; (d) accessing and accepting previously avoided feelings; (e) accepting my needs; and (f) valuing the group. Implications for counselling There is a pressing need for new and effective treatments for eating disorders. The described group therapy shows promise in treating self-criticism in the context of eating disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary Mindfulness helps people focus instead of worrying about the past or future., We talked to six people who took part in a mindfulness group., They all had intellectual disabilities and were in hospital for mental health problems., They told us the group helped, and we hope that mindfulness can help other people too., Summary The study focused on the effectiveness of group mindfulness for people with intellectual disabilities in an assessment and treatment unit. Six participants with mild or moderate intellectual disabilities were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The interviews focused on identifying the benefits and difficulties of using mindfulness. The interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Five themes were identified which were categorised into interpersonal ('helping people') and intrapersonal ('focusing on one particular thing'; 'improving skills'; get rid of all nasty bad stuff you want to get rid of') benefits. The theme 'bit too late to teach old dog new tricks' captured the difficulties encountered. The themes highlighted that people with intellectual disabilities were able to form an understanding of mindfulness and were able to benefit from the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body image disturbance can be enduring and distressing to individuals with eating disorders and effective treatments remain limited. This pilot study evaluated a group-based treatment-BodyWise-developed for use in full and partial hospitalization with patients with anorexia nervosa at low weight. A partial crossover waitlist design was used. BodyWise (N = 50) versus treatment as usual (N = 40) were compared on standardized measures of body image disturbance. Results demonstrated significant improvement in the group compared to treatment as usual for the primary outcome measure (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire Shape Concern subscale) and other manifestations of body image disturbance including body checking and body image quality of life. BodyWise appeared acceptable to participants, and was easy to deliver within the pragmatics of a busy eating disorder service. There is potential for its wider dissemination as a precursor to more active body image interventions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The term outdoor therapy can be used to refer to a wide range of outdoor programmes including adventure therapy and wilderness therapy. Much of the research in the outdoor therapy field has focused on outcomes of these programmes rather than exploring the actual processes that are inherent in these experiences. Aim: This study investigated participants' perspectives of helpful aspects of outdoor therapy experiences. Method: By means of an international online survey, participants reported what was helpful about their experiences of outdoor therapy. A mixed method approach was used, with the qualitative data being analysed with the use of grounded theory methodology to conduct thematic analysis. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings: A total of 43 complete responses were received. Quantitative and qualitative analysis established that being in the outdoors was the most helpful factor. Of 19 given aspects ‘to be outdoors’ was ranked the highest and ‘being outdoors’ emerged as a main category in the thematic analysis (84%, (n=36)). ‘Group related aspects’ were all rated higher, on average, than ‘your relationship with therapist’. Such findings contradict previous research on how important the therapeutic relationship is in facilitating positive therapeutic encounters. Conclusion: Although very much a preliminary survey, findings suggest that further investigation into the meaning attached to being outdoors and how this might affect/impact upon the therapeutic relationship is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technology-delivered interventions addressing a broad range of problems for which clients present for therapy are proliferating. However, little is known of leadership dynamics that emerge in online group interventions. The purpose of this study was to assess the types of leadership qualities that would emerge in an online social support group intervention to improve medication adherence for men with HIV, and to characterize the demographic and psychosocial profiles of leaders. Written posts (n = 616) from 66 men were coded using an adapted version of the Full Range Model of leadership. Results showed that 10% (n = 64) of posts reflected one of five leadership types, the most common of which was mentoring/providing feedback (40% of leadership posts). The next most common leadership style was instances in which encouragement was offered (30% of leadership posts). Leaders appeared to have lived with HIV longer and have higher Internet knowledge scores than non-leaders. Results indicate that online group interventions potentially may be useful to supplement traditional face-to-face treatment by providing an additional venue for group members to mentor and provide emotional support to each other. However, additional research is needed to more fully understand leadership qualities and group dynamics in other online group intervention settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Witnessing domestic violence can have a devastating effect on children’s development. Interventions for such children have previously been based on adults’ understanding of what the child has witnessed, but hearing the child’s view is imperative to learning how any intervention is experienced. The aim of the research described here was to address the experiences of four traumatised boys, aged seven to nine, using the drama therapy model known as embodiment, projection and role (EPR). The findings indicate that the boys experienced the EPR model both positively and negatively, but flexibility within the methods of EPR was an important factor in enabling them to address their experiences safely and effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mindfulness-based psychotherapies are associated with reductions in depression and anxiety. However, few studies address whether mindfulness-based approaches may benefit individuals with posttraumatic stress symptoms. The current pilot study explored whether group mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and negative trauma-related appraisals in 9 adult participants who reported trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress or depression. Participants completed 8 sessions of mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment, as well as pretreatment, midtreatment, and posttreatment assessments of psychological symptoms, acceptance of emotional experiences, and trauma appraisals. Posttraumatic stress symptoms, depression, and shame-based trauma appraisals were reduced over the 8-week period, whereas acceptance of emotional experiences increased. Participants’ self-reported amount of weekly mindfulness practice was related to increased acceptance of emotional experiences from pretreatment to posttreatment. Results support the utility of mindfulness-based therapies for posttraumatic stress symptoms and reinforce studies that highlight reducing shame and increasing acceptance as important elements of recovery from trauma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To investigate the acceptability and feasibility of adapted group therapy for anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorder in a pilot randomised controlled trial. Method: A total of 32 children aged 9–13 years were randomised to immediate or delayed therapy using the ‘Exploring Feelings’ manual (Attwood, 2004). Child and parent groups were run in parallel, for seven weekly sessions, under the supervision of experienced psychologists. The primary blinded outcome measures addressed change in overall functioning and in severity of the primary anxiety diagnosis after 3 months. Results: Children met diagnostic criteria for 1–6 anxiety disorders (median 3). At end point, both parents and children in the immediate therapy group were more likely to report a reduction in anxiety symptoms. Fidelity of delivery of the group therapy was high, and attendance was 91%. Conclusions: This pilot trial established that children and families were willing to be recruited and randomised, the outcome measures were acceptable, the format and content of the groups were feasible within UK child and adolescent mental health services, the intervention was appreciated by families and attrition was very small. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Body-oriented psychological therapy (BOPT) has been described as effective in addressing depressive symptoms. There is, however, a paucity of research into the processes leading to change and the actual experience of the patients and the therapist in delivering BOPT interventions.Method: Secondary qualitative analysis of data obtained within an exploratory randomised controlled trial of manualised body psychotherapy (BPT) for patients with chronic depression, analysing qualitative aspects of change processes during therapy, was conducted.Results: At the beginning of therapy, most patients presented with a restricted, emotionally dissociated and inwardly directed range of expressive behaviours, associated with isolation of emotions from self-awareness. Clinically relevant changes in body postures and gestures were associated with feelings of empowerment; connecting repressed anger with feelings of sadness appears to have resulted in enhanced levels of self-confidence and improvements of depressed mood. Body satisfaction scores improved slightly.Conclusion: Patients with chronic depression may benefit from specific BPT interventions. These interventions appear to be particularly effective in assisting patients to identify and express a wide range of feelings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This randomized prospective study examines durability of improvement in general symptomatology, psychosocial functioning and interpersonal problems, and compares the long-term efficacy of analytic and systemic group psychotherapy in women 1 year after completion of treatment for childhood sexual abuse. Design and Methods Women ( n = 106) randomly assigned to analytic or systemic psychotherapy completed the Symptom Checklist-90-R, Global Assessment of Functioning, Global Life Quality, Registration Chart Questionnaire, and Flashback Registration at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and at a 1-year follow-up. Results Post-treatment gains were significant for both treatment modalities on all measures, but significantly larger after systemic therapy. Significant treatment response was maintained 1-year post-treatment, but different trajectories were observed: 1 year after treatment completion, improvements for analytic therapy were maintained, whereas they decreased after systemic therapy, resulting in no statistically significant difference in gains between the groups at the 1-year follow-up. Despite maintaining significant gains, more than half of the patients remained above cut-off for caseness concerning general symptomatology at post-treatment and at 1-year follow-up. Conclusion The findings stress the importance of long-term follow-up data in effect studies. Different trajectories were associated with the two treatments, but improvement in the two treatment groups did not differ significantly at the 1-year follow-up. Implications of the difference in trajectories for treatment planning are discussed. Practitioner points Both analytic and systemic group therapy proved efficient in improving general symptomatology, psychosocial functioning, and interpersonal problems in women with a history of CSA and gains were maintained at a 1-year follow-up., Despite maintaining statistically significant gains at the 1-year follow-up, 54% of the patients remained above the cut-off for caseness with respect to general symptomatology, which may indicate a need for further treatment., Different pre-post follow-up treatment trajectories were observed between the two treatment modalities. Thus, while systemic group therapy showed a significantly better outcome immediately after termination, gains in the systemic treatment group decreased during follow-up, while gains were maintained during follow-up in analytic group therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary There is a plethora of different types of group therapy in public mental health services. Psychodynamic groups are most frequent, followed by cognitive-behavioural and psycho-educative groups. Groups with mixed theoretical background are frequent., Patients with similar diagnosis are offered different group approaches, but some trends exist., The development of clinician-researcher networks will facilitate research on regular patients in clinical contexts., The largest proportion of group therapists are nurses. More group therapists should be trained., Abstract Group therapy is used extensively within public mental health services, but more detailed knowledge is needed. All 25 health authorities in Norway were invited to describe their groups: theory, primary tasks, interventions, structure, patients and therapists. Four hundred twenty-six groups, 296 in community mental health centres and 130 in hospitals, were categorized into nine types, based on theoretical background. Psychodynamic groups were most frequent, followed by cognitive-behavioural, psycho-educative, social skills/coping and art/expressive groups. Weekly sessions of 90 min and treatment duration <6 or >12 months was most frequent. Main diagnosis for 2391 patients: depression (517), personality disorder (396), schizophrenia/psychosis (313) and social phobia (249). Patients with depression or personality disorder were mostly in psychodynamic groups, psychosis/bipolar disorder in psycho-educative groups. Cognitive-behavioural groups were used across several diagnoses. Most therapists were nurses, only 50% had a formal training in group therapy. There is a plethora of groups, some based on one theoretical school, while others integrate theory from several 'camps'. Patients with similar diagnosis were offered different group approaches, although some trends existed. More research evidence from regular clinical groups is needed, and clinician-researcher networks should be developed. More group therapists with formal training are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible Summary We held a group for people with Learning Disabilities who were overweight and unhappy about being so., The group ran for 9 weeks. It lasted 2 h and four adults came to the group., The group talked about how they felt about their bodies, why they ate and why it is sometimes hard to choose healthy food over unhealthy food. It helped people learn to accept their body size and shape., Summary The Clinical Psychology Service and the Dietetic and Nutrition Service for People with Learning Disabilities in Birmingham shared concerns about the effectiveness of services offered to service users who were overweight. In an effort to gain more understanding of the issues from a service user perspective and to ultimately provide more effective services, a body awareness group was established, structured according to the ' Health at Every Size' model. Four adults with learning disabilities attended a total of nine sessions held once a week for a period of 2 h. Topics were presented to the group in the form of group discussions or group activities, which included: personal and social attributions towards body shape and size; self-esteem; physical eating vs. emotional eating; relationship with food (e.g. understanding of choosing junk food over healthier options); negative messages people tell themselves about eating and factors that prevent people from engaging in a healthier lifestyle. This study aims to report the process of designing and facilitating the ' Body Awareness Group' and to critically review observations and findings in an effort to gain greater understanding of the role of food in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This article outlines specific developments in compassion-focused therapy ( CFT) for the treatment of patients with an eating disorder. Methods The article provides a narrative review based on the existing literature and current practices of CFT for eating disorders ( CFT-E). Results The role of shame, self-criticism, self-directed hostility, and difficulties in generating and experiencing affiliative emotion in patients with an eating disorder is highlighted. The article describes how CFT-E uniquely addresses these issues and discusses the current evidence base for CFT-E. It also provides an outline of recent and potential future developments in CFT-E. Conclusions CFT-E offers a promising treatment for adult outpatients who present to specialist eating disorder services with restricting and binge/purging eating disorders. Recent developments include treatment protocols for patients who are low weight and have an eating disorder and for those presenting with obesity. Practitioner points CFT-E is a group-based treatment for adult outpatients with restricting or binge/purging eating disorders attending specialist services., CFT-E has a specific protocol and interventions to address the biological, psychological, and social challenges of recovery from an eating disorder., CFT-E specifically addresses the high levels of shame and self-criticism commonly experienced by patients with an eating disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Parental involvement is crucial to facilitating a child's high school success and enhancing their post-secondary opportunities. Unfortunately, the ability for Latina/o parents and guardians to engage in parental involvement is hindered by a general lack of familiarity with U.S. educational systems and post-secondary options. With these barriers in mind, the Latino Parents-Learning About College (LaP-LAC) program was developed. The LaP-LAC is a psychoeducational group work experience wherein Latina/o parents with high school-aged children learn to understand the high school curriculum and become more familiar with post-secondary options (including financial aid), in an effort to empower themselves and their families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the Achieving Success Everyday (ASE) group counseling model, which is designed to help school counselors integrate students’ academic and personal-social development into their group work. We first describe this group model in detail and then offer one case example of a middle school counselor using the ASE model to conduct a group counseling intervention in a school setting. Finally, implications for school counselors are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This article will present two models for conducting group work with Women of Color (WOC): the SisterCircle Approach and the Group Relations Model. The authors contend that the models, when used together, combine an internal and external focus (“inside out”) of group work that can assist group workers to conduct individual and group-level identity work with WOC and support them in developing integrated identities within social and political contexts that can be hostile to their existence. Theoretical foundations of the models, application, and best practices will be presented. Implications for practice and research will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Problem Despite the increasing prevalence of depressive and anxiety disorders in adolescents, less than 25% of affected teens receive any treatment. Methods A preexperimental one-group pre- and posttest pilot study design with 4-week follow-up was used to assess the feasibility and preliminary effects of the COPE ( Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment) brief-focused manualized seven-session cognitive-behavioral skills building group intervention delivered in two high schools to 16 adolescents referred by a school-based nurse practitioner for depression or elevated anxiety symptoms. Findings Adolescents reported significant decreases in depression and anxiety on the Beck Youth Inventory as well as increases in personal beliefs about managing negative emotions. Evaluations indicated that the group COPE intervention was a positive experience for the teens. Conclusions COPE is a promising brief-focused cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention that can be delivered effectively to teens in school settings using a group format. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methodological concerns are explored and questions raised about the validity of conclusions reached in a recent article by Renner, Bänninger-Huber and Peltzer (2011). These authors reported treatment outcomes of Chechen asylum seekers and refugees with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression following treatment with Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT); a Culture- Sensitive and Resource Oriented Peer Group (CROP); Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR); and a wait-list condition. They concluded that CROP was significantly superior to wait-list and as effective as CBT in reducing symptomatology, and that EMDR was ineffective. However the study contains serious methodological problems including a lack of randomization information, a lack of independent evaluators, inadequate treatment fidelity, and inadequate treatment dosage. Furthermore, the small sample size, high attrition rate and unequal group numbers compromise the statistical power of this study, and possibly compromise the underlying statistical assumptions rendering any conclusions unreliable. This is serious given that misrepresentation of data is damaging to treatment models and clinical practice where such articles guide clinician's treatment choices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. People with personality disorders, especially those who also experience high self-criticism and shame, are known to be a therapeutic challenge and there is a high dropout rate from therapy. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) was designed to address shame and self-criticism specifically, and to develop people's ability to be self-reassuring and more compassionate to themselves and others. Aims. This study explored how CFT affected self-criticism and self-attacking thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, as well as the general symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression of a personality disordered group within an outpatient group setting, and evaluated the extent of maintenance at a 1-year follow-up. A secondary objective was to identify some of the key characteristics that such an intervention would require. This was a pilot study exploring the feasibility, acceptability, and potential value of CFT in treating this difficult population and, as such, was designed as a pre-randomized controlled trial (RCT) to provide evidence to support applications for funding for an RCT. Methods and design. This study utilized a mixed method combining qualitative and quantitative methods to support a programme evaluation. Eight participants were introduced to the evolutionary-based CFT model and taken through explorations of the nature of self-criticism and shame. In subsequent sessions, participants were taught the main compassion-focused exercises, and any difficulties were addressed. The group was asked to share their personal stories and experiences of practicing self-compassion and to develop compassionate encouragement for each other. Self-report measures were administered at the beginning, end, and at a 1-year follow-up. Results. This 16-week group therapy was associated with significant reductions in shame measured by the Others as Shamer Scale (OAS), social comparison on the Social Comparison Scale (SCS) feelings of hating oneself, and an increase in abilities to be self-reassuring on the Self-Attacking and Self-Reassuring Scale (FSCRS), depression and stress measured by the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS). There were significant changes on all CORE variables, well-being, risk, functioning, and problems. Also interesting was that all variables showed a trend for continued improvement at 1-year follow-up, albeit statistically non-significant. A content analysis revealed that patients had found it a moving and very significant process in their efforts to develop emotional regulation and self-understanding. Conclusion. CFT, delivered in a routine psychotherapy department for personality disorders, revealed a beneficial impact on a range of outcome measures. These improvements were maintained and further changes noted at 1-year follow-up. Further research is needed to explore the benefits of CFT using more detailed analysis and RCTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This clinical trial tested whether telephone-administered supportive-expressive group therapy or coping effectiveness training reduce depressive symptoms in HIV-infected older adults. Participants from 24 states ( N = 361) completed the Geriatric Depression Scale at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4- and 8-month follow-up and were randomized to one of three study arms: (1) 12 weekly sessions of telephone-administered, supportive-expressive group therapy (tele-SEGT; n = 122); (2) 12 weekly sessions of telephone-administered, coping effectiveness training (tele-CET; n = 118); or (3) a standard of care (SOC) control group ( n = 121). Tele-SEGT participants reported fewer depressive symptoms than SOC controls at post-intervention (M = 11.9, M = 14.3) and 4- (M = 12.5, M = 14.4) and 8-month follow-up (M = 12.7, M = 14.5) and fewer depressive symptoms than tele-CET participants at post-intervention (M = 12.4, M = 13.6) and 8-month follow-up (M = 12.7, M = 14.1). Tele-CET participants reported no statistically significant differences from SOC controls in GDS values at any assessment period. Tele-SEGT constitutes an efficacious treatment to reduce depressive symptoms in HIV-infected older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders among medical students which can affect their activities in professional and educational fields. Therefore, the main objective of the present research is to study the effects of cognitive therapy training in groups on health anxiety among nursing students. Materials and Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study conducted on 30 nursing students with health anxiety score more than average. The students were randomly divided into two groups of experimental and control. After the short form health anxiety questionnaire was filled in by participants, cognitive therapy was taught to the experimental group in twelve ninety-minute sessions. Then both experimental and control groups filled in the health anxiety questionnaire again. Data were analyzed using co-variance test (Ancova). Results: The findings of this research showed that cognitive therapy training in groups in the significance level of P≤0.05 reduced the rate of health anxiety among nursing students (P≤0.017). Conclusion: The cognitive therapy training in groups has an important role in reducing health anxiety rate among nursing students. So the results of this research can be used in designing interventions such as deployment of educational programs for medical students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A reprint of the article "Evaluation of an Intervention Designed for Men Who Were Abused in Childhood and are Experiencing Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder" published online on September 17, 2012 is presented. The study evaluated clinical data on 114 men who received treatment under the Men & Healing program (MH) in Ottawa, Ontario in 2007-2011. Results showed significant improvements in posttrautmatic and depression symptoms over the course of the MH program.

Postpartum depression (PPD) affects a significant portion of women and has serious negative short- and long-term consequences for the woman, infant, and family. This article highlights the feasibility and acceptability of group interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT-G), a manualized approach to PPD treatment, with a high risk and underserved sample of postpartum women in post-Katrina New Orleans. The authors highlight the modifications made to the IPT-G approach for cultural and contextual reasons and consider factors in treatment selection and implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is touted as the predominant approach in sex offender-specific group treatment, a review of the field shows that the "behavioral" part of CBT has become minimal in relation to that which is cognitive. The authors show how a revitalized "behavioral sensibility" may help to enhance group treatment by focusing greater attention on directly observable behaviors. This clinical practice article presents an array of behaviorally-oriented techniques for conducting groups, beginning with the establishment of an operant group environment that supports behavior change; expanding empirical awareness of events occurring in group; streamlining interventions with non-verbal signals; targeted reinforcement of social interaction and bonding; and more. The article also describes several behavioral techniques designed specifically for sex offender-specific groups, which can enhance self-disclosure, social awareness, self-esteem, empathy, and management of deviant thoughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, I focus on the writing and successive revisions of the trauma narratives of two Vietnam veteran writers, in a Community Stories Writing Workshop offered over an approximately two-year period. I consider how the writers navigated from vague, scripted anecdotes loaded with stock phrases, to more complete personal narratives of meaningful stories that ask and pursue in-depth thematic questions, with attention paid to the literary sensibilities of quest, arc, persona, and voice. Specifically, I examined what happens when these writers revisited their rehearsed, anecdotal scripts of childhood trauma through literary lenses, and how “writing as craft” lent them alternative ways of seeing and making meaning of their trauma experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate relapse prevention skill acquisition within the context of a comprehensive treatment program involving group psychotherapy, relapse prevention programming, and other essential psychoeducational components. The Sex Offender Situational Competency Test (SOSCT) was administered pretreatment and posttreatment to 139 convicted adult sex offenders in intensive inpatient treatment for 5.7 to 22.9 months. The SOSCT measures the ability to recognize high-risk situations and the effectiveness of the coping skills generated. Participants were presented with differing scenarios depending on their sex-offender subtype (75 heterosexual child molesters, 23 homosexual child molesters, and 36 rapists of women). Posttreatment scores on the SOSCT improved significantly (p < .0005) but neither the sex offender group effect (p > .357) nor the interaction between treatment time and group (p > .097) obtained statistical significance. It is very unlikely that the SOSCT improvements obtained simply result from participation in relapse prevention programming. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A 25-year content analysis was conducted of published group work articles that focused on 5 racial groups (African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Latino/a, Native American, and Intercultural group). Articles were included if they described an intervention or conceptual model with 1 of the racial groups. The analysis revealed 15 content categories. Implications for multicultural group work practice and research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examined the efficacy of a game-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy program for addressing problems typically found among elementary school-aged victims of child sexual abuse immediately after treatment and at three months following treatment. It was hypothesized that positive gains would be observed among the following domains.. (a) internalizing symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, and trauma); (b) externalizing behaviors (e.g., oppositional behavior, disobedience, and conduct disordered behavior); and (c) sexually inappropriate behaviors. Improved knowledge of abuse and personal safety skills was also predicted. Results indicated that game-based cognitive-behavioral group therapy resulted in improvements in internalizing symptoms, externalizing behavioral problems, total behavioral problems, and personal safety skills both immediately after treatment and at three-month follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: To discuss basic concepts of group therapy as a treatment modality. CONCLUSIONS: The psychiatric nurse group leader uses concepts of content and process at his/her disposal as powerful tools of change, adaptation, and recovery. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Group therapy is a common modality in treating mental disorders that is both evidence based and cost-effective. Group therapy is practiced in inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment facilities. Because of their understanding of the bio-psycho-social origin of mental illness, psychiatric nurses are uniquely prepared to assist in many roles as facilitators of change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is common to conduct treatments for adolescent substance abuse within a group format. Because previous research has identified group cohesion as being an important factor in adolescent substance abuse group treatment outcomes, it is important to examine therapeutic strategies that could help facilitate the development of group cohesion within substance abuse treatment programs for adolescents. The purpose of this study was to examine adolescents' perspectives on the contribution of a strengths-based orientation to the development of group cohesion. Following a 5-week strengths-based residential treatment program for substance abuse in Canada, 36 adolescents agreed to participate in an open-ended interview about their perceptions of how a strengths-based approach might have influenced group cohesion. Thematic analysis was used to identify common themes across participant responses. Findings suggest that working from a strengths-based perspective could help facilitate the development of several aspects of group cohesion. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the effect of a short-term group intervention titled Writing for Recovery in Gaza. Adolescents (N = 139) aged 12–17 were randomly assigned to an intervention or to a waiting list group. Levels of distress were assessed at baseline and at posttest. A follow-up assessment was conducted 5 months after both groups had received the intervention. Results at posttest showed a reduction in posttraumatic stress symptoms in both groups, an increase in depression in the intervention group, and no change in anxiety symptoms. At follow-up, a significant decline in depression scores was evident. Overall, no evidence for improvements due to the intervention was found. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Counseling work is increasingly conducted in team format. The methods counseling teams use to manage the emotional component of their group life, or their group emotional intelligence, have been proposed as significantly contributing to group member trust, cooperation, and ultimate performance. Item development, exploratory factor analysis, and evidence of validity for the Group Emotional Intelligence Individual Regulation (GEIQ–IR) scale are described. Exploratory factor analysis yielded three factors to describe group emotional regulation of its members: Caring Orientation, Confronting Members, and Ground Rules. Reliability and evidence of validity were strong. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Women with breast cancer frequently report psychological distress throughout the treatment process. Patients have several empirically supported options for group psychotherapy while undergoing breast cancer treatment. However, few interventions have been developed that incorporate spirituality into psychotherapy, despite indications that patients desire such treatment. Psycho-Spiritual Integrative Therapy (PSIT) incorporates principles of third-wave Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness, and passage meditation to provide women with breast cancer with an intervention that addresses both psychological and spiritual needs. Preliminary research suggests that PSIT is associated with improved quality of life, mood, and physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being in women with breast cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article discusses the various aspects of group therapy in the context that individuals are enmeshed with their surroundings and do not exist as individual entities. The article describes the advantages of group therapy over individual therapy. It provides information on who is eligible to deliver group therapy and how to identify subjects who need it. It is important to study the effects of specific therapies on subjects to estimate suitability of the therapy.

In response to the December 26, 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, a method of treating trauma with group therapy, called Council, was introduced to Sri Lankan para-professionals working for Sarvodaya, a local non-governmental organization, by American psychotherapists associated with Heart Circle Sangha, a Zen Buddhist temple in New Jersey. Working together, Americans and Sri Lankans incorporated meditation, mindfulness and culturally congruent spiritual ritual that made the group process acceptable and healing to the survivors who were Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu and Christian. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Let's Start Parent-Child Program is a manualised parent-child program which aims to improve educational, social and emotional outcomes for Aboriginal parents and their fourto seven-year-old children. It has been implemented in the Northern Territory, Australia on the Tiwi Islands and in Darwin since 2005. This paper outlines the adaptation of the program to include narrative approaches, the sharing of stories and the use of expressive arts as a way to build understanding between program leaders and participating families. An example from a recent program is used to illustrate how the sharing of stories and expressive use of art engages and binds group participants together It supports parents to tell their own stories, to speak about their lived experience, to reconsider aspects of their own and their children's experiences and to achieve an increased awareness of their personal resources and a sense of self-empowerment. The program is designed and delivered with sensitivity to individual parents, children and families, where cultural and interpersonal differences and different developmental and family situations can be taken into account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between levels of group cohesion, defined as whole group relationships, and between-session therapeutic homework adherence in a multi-family group therapy (MFGT) for people with schizophrenia. Participants from I 8 consenting families attending MFGT groups completed weekly homework adherence ratings, group cohesion and spontaneous between-session activity measures. Levels of group cohesion at each session were compared with measures of scheduled and spontaneous homework adherence reported at the next session. It was hypothesised that higher levels of group cohesion would be related to homework adherence and other spontaneous between-session therapeutic activity completed by group members. Results show higher levels of group cohesion were associated with higher rates of spontaneous between-session therapeutic activity. However~ contrary to expectations no significant relationship between cohesion and scheduled homework completion was found. The implications of the findings for group processes and homework adherence are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of refugees and asylum seekers admitted to the United States has grown, with significant numbers arriving from sub-Saharan Africa. Given this reality, it is important that mental health professionals are equipped to provide culturally relevant services. This article describes the development and implementation of a group treatment model for African male forced migrants in a large urban hospital. Therapeutic techniques that draw on African cultural traditions in order to rebuild lives, reduce symptoms, recreate familial and community connections, and support adjustment are discussed. Suggestions for future treatment and research to address African refugee mental health needs are highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research evidence has been accumulating for the efficacy of dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) for binge eating. However, support for its effectiveness and transportability beyond efficacy trials is lacking. The current study evaluated the feasibility of group-based DBT for binge eating within the context of an operating community clinic. Women ages 24-49 (M = 39.60, SD = 9.53) with either subthreshold and full-threshold binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa formed the group and comprised the sample ( n = 5 treatment completers). Positive outcomes included significant improvement in both binge eating and secondary outcomes with the Eating Disorder Inventory subscales of Bulimia, Ineffectiveness, Perfectionism and Interpersonal Distrust. Attrition was elevated compared with previous efficacy trials, suggesting the need for increased attention to how to improve retention within routine practice settings. Given our limited sample size, these findings are viewed as promising but preliminary. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Positive psychology interventions target positive emotions in order to increase happiness, engagement in life, and well being while also ameliorating the impact of symptoms on a person's life. We examined an adapted version of group positive psychotherapy for people with schizophrenia (Positive Living (PL)) in a pilot study. Sixteen participants were recruited to participate in two separate PL groups and were assessed at baseline, post-intervention and at 3-month follow-up. We examined feasibility of this intervention in addition to a preliminary exploration of well-being outcomes including psychological well-being, hope, savoring, and self-esteem as well as clinically related outcomes including symptoms, psychological recovery, and social functioning. Findings indicate that the PL group was feasible and associated with possible improvements in psychological well-being, hope, savoring, psychological recovery, self-esteem, and psychiatric symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article introduces a model for group facilitation in the humanities based on Carl Roger's model for group psychotherapy. Certain aspects of Carl Roger's reflective learning strategies are reappraised and principles, specific only to psychotherapy, are introduced. Five of Rogers's axioms are applied to the tutorial discussion model: a non-directive approach, climate-setting, facilitation, reflective listening and positive regard. The model, which has been trialed in tutorials at The University of Queensland encourages active learning, self-direction and critical thinking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) seems to offer effective treatment for pathological gambling (PG). However, it has not yet been established which techniques yield the best results, or whether exposure and response prevention (ERP) techniques are of additional use. Objectives. To evaluate clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of a PG sample at baseline, comparing cognitive-behavioural group intervention, with and without exposure, with response prevention (CBT + ERP vs. CBT), to compare the results of therapy and to assess pre-post changes in psychopathology between both groups. Design. We applied a quasi-experimental design comprising intervention on the independent variable, but without random assignment. Methods. The sample comprised 502 males with PG, consecutively admitted to a specialist unit, who received standardized outpatient CBT group therapy in 16 weekly sessions. Scores on the Symptom Checklist-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R), the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and other clinical and psychopathological scales were recorded. Results. Pre-post changes did not differ between groups, except for SCL paranoid ideation, being greater in the CBT therapy group. The risk of relapse during treatment was similar in the CBT + ERP and CBT patients. However, compliance with treatment was poorer in the CBT + ERP group, who presented higher drop-out rates during treatment. Drop-out during therapy was associated with shorter disorder duration and higher scores on the TCI-R novelty seeking scale. Conclusions. Although the two CBT programs elicited similar therapy responses, patients receiving CBT alone showed higher adherence to therapy and lower drop-out rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]