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Yalom's therapeutic factors (TFs) have been a focal point in therapeutic literature for over three decades. However, their specific application in group therapy for substance use disorders (SUD) remains underexplored. This review paper is divided into two primary sections. The first section offers a comprehensive review of the literature on TFs in general group therapy, highlighting empirical findings. The second section delves into the application of TFs in group therapy for SUD, with particular emphasis on 12-step programs and motivational interviewing groups. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for future development and enhancement of group therapy practices through the perspective of TFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 35 years, peer-run Hearing Voices Groups (HVGs) have proliferated across the globe. More recently, research has begun to focus on the precise psychological mechanisms that make groups effective and enable individual psychological change. While important in their own right, theories of peer support are limited in their ability to explain the psychological mechanisms by which complex psychological transformation occurs. As such, it is necessary to look beyond peer support and borrow theories from the psychotherapeutic literature. Yalom and Leszcz's (2005) seminal work, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, may help shed some light on the psychological dynamics that bring about change in HVGs. Peer support and group psychotherapy differ widely in their histories, philosophical underpinnings, and approach to, and understanding of, mental distress. As such, theories of group psychotherapy cannot be broadly applied to HVGs without a nuanced understanding of the differences between HVGs and psychotherapy groups. In this paper, I use my lived experience as an HVG member and facilitator to highlight these differences, and explore where Yalom's theory may be useful at understanding the change mechanisms at play in HVGs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion Many trials have demonstrated the efficacy of specific therapy modalities for individuals with attenuated psychosis symptoms (APS). Less is known regarding mechanisms behind positive outcomes, including the role of nonspecific therapeutic factors. This study explored working alliance (WA) in a clinic serving individuals with APS to see how WA changed across the course of treatment and its relation to APS.Session level APS and WA data was available for 12 individuals of diverse racial and gender identity, (M = 48 sessions each). Multilevel models with random intercepts tested change in WA and APS over time, and cross‐sectional and prospective relations.WA increased and APS decreased over time. Cross sectionally, WA and APS were inversely related. Prospective relations were non‐significant.When symptoms increase, therapists for individuals with APS should be attentive to potential disruptions in WA, though strong WA may be a cross‐sectional protective factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Emotion regulation is a crucial skill that can significantly impact mental health, social interactions, and overall well-being. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses dance and movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration. Objectives: This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of scholarly research and publications exploring the impact of DMT on enhancing emotion regulation capabilities. Methods: A literature search was conducted in various databases, and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the relevance and quality of the chosen research. The data extraction and analysis phase involved carefully extracting pertinent information from each selected study and a methodical approach to analysis aimed at synthesizing and interpreting the findings cohesively. Results: The review highlights the potential benefits of DMT in regulating emotions and identifies gaps and disparities in existing research, emphasizing potential areas that warrant further investigation. Conclusion: The findings of this review contribute to a robust exploration of the relationship between emotion regulation and DMT, shedding light on the impact of DMT on emotion regulation and providing insights into future research directions.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of low back pain (LBP), which significantly impacts global wellbeing and contributes to global productivity declines. Conventional treatment approaches, encompassing conservative and surgical interventions, merely serve to postpone the advancement of IDD without offering a fundamental reversal. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for an effective approach to prevent the progression of IDD. Recent investigations focusing on the treatment of IDD utilizing diverse bioactive substances integrated within various biomaterials have exhibited promising outcomes. Various bioactive substances, encompassing conventional small molecule drugs, small molecule nucleic acids, and cell therapies, exhibit distinct capacities for repairing IDD. Additionally, various biological material delivery systems, such as nano micelles, microspheres, and hydrogels, possess diverse biological and release characteristics. Consequently, these diverse materials and drugs hold promise for advancing the treatment of IDD. This article aims to provide a concise overview of the IDD process and investigate the research advancements in biomaterials and bioactive substances for IDD treatment, delving into their mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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(1) Background: Group psychotherapy improves therapeutic process, fosters identification with others, and increases illness awareness; (2) Methods: In 40 weekly group sessions held in an acute psychiatric ward during one year, we retrospectively evaluated the inpatients' participation and the demographic and clinical variables of the individuals hospitalized in the ward, the group type according to Bion's assumptions, the main narrative themes expressed, and the mentalization processes by using the Mentalization-Based Therapy-Group Adherence and Quality Scale (MBT-G-AQS); (3) Results: The "working" group was the prevailing one, and the most represented narrative theme was "treatment programs"; statistically significant correlations were found between the group types according to Bion's assumptions and the main narrative themes (Fisher's exact, p = 0.007); at our multivariate linear regression, the MBT-G-AQS overall occurrence score (dependent variable) was positively correlated with the number of group participants (coef. = 14.87; p = 0.011) and negatively with the number of participants speaking in groups (coef. = −16.87, p = 0.025); (4) Conclusion: our study suggests that the group shows consistent defense mechanisms, relationships, mentalization, and narrative themes, which can also maintain a therapeutic function in an acute ward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Articular cartilage (AC) injuries often lead to cartilage degeneration and may ultimately result in osteoarthritis (OA) due to the limited self-repair ability. To date, numerous intra-articular delivery systems carrying various therapeutic agents have been developed to improve therapeutic localization and retention, optimize controlled drug release profiles and target different pathological processes. Due to the complex and multifactorial characteristics of cartilage injury pathology and heterogeneity of the cartilage structure deposited within a dense matrix, delivery systems loaded with a single therapeutic agent are hindered from reaching multiple targets in a spatiotemporal matched manner and thus fail to mimic the natural processes of biosynthesis, compromising the goal of full cartilage regeneration. Emerging evidence highlights the importance of sequential delivery strategies targeting multiple pathological processes. In this review, we first summarize the current status and progress achieved in single-drug delivery strategies for the treatment of AC diseases. Subsequently, we focus mainly on advances in multiple drug delivery applications, including sequential release formulations targeting various pathological processes, synergistic targeting of the same pathological process, the spatial distribution in multiple tissues, and heterogeneous regeneration. We hope that this review will inspire the rational design of intra-articular drug delivery systems (DDSs) in the future. Due to the complex and multifactorial characteristics of cartilage injury pathology and heterogeneity of the cartilage structure, drug delivery to articular cartilage is advancing from single to multiple strategy. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this practice article we present a group counseling model based on Bowen theory for college students with codependency traits and related symptoms developed and piloted in Taiwan. Along with principles of Bowen theory applied to the group counseling model, we discuss group goals, leader roles, group process and development. We present preliminary outcome data on differentiation of self and on therapeutic factors of the group and offer suggestions for future group practice and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the growth of psychedelic research, psychedelic-assisted group psychotherapy (PAGP) has received little attention in comparison to individual psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy models. Methods: In this article, we aim to discuss the therapeutic potential of PAGP, as well as outline existing models and the challenges of this approach. Using Irvin Yalom's 11 therapeutic factors of group therapy as a basic framework, we analyse current literature from clinical studies and neurobiological research relative to the topic of PAGP. Results: We argue that combining psychedelic substances and group psychotherapy may prove beneficial for increasing group connectedness and interpersonal learning, potentially enhancing prosocial behaviour with direct opportunities to practice newly acquired knowledge about previously maladaptive behavioural patterns. Challenges regarding this approach include a more rigid therapy structure and potential loss of openness from patients, which may be ameliorated by adequate therapeutic training. Conclusion: We hope for this article to support clinical research on PAGP by presenting a therapeutic framework and outlining its mechanisms and challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The group counseling approach in education helps students acquire hands-on experience through experiential learning strategies. This study employed a pretest-posttest, quasiexperimental design. The participants included 121 students enrolled in part-time undergraduate social work programs who were assigned to an experimental group or a comparison group; the experimental group (n = 82) rated their experiences with the group counseling teaching approach. The data from the experimental group were compared with those from the comparison group (n = 39), which was taught using a lecture method approach. Yalom's Therapeutic Factors Inventory, the Mirror Effect Inventory, and the Group Counseling Education Questionnaire were used to measure changes in the participants. The results showed that the group counseling teaching approach was significantly associated with positive mirror effects. The results further indicated that the positive mirror effects were attributable to the group counseling teaching approach and mediated by four therapeutic factors, namely, universality, imparting of information, catharsis, and imitative behavior. The findings of this study demonstrate that the elements of this approach facilitate and enhance the therapeutic effects of group counseling education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dramatherapy, a creative form of psychotherapy, is used as a treatment for children and young people (CYPs) who have common mental disorders including anxiety, depression and trauma. Although widely used, particularly in schools, little is known about the active ingredients of this intervention. A qualitative approach, triangulating both semi-structured interviews (N = 11) and a focus group (N = 5), was taken to elicit dramatherapists' perspectives on the active ingredients of school-based dramatherapy. 11 active ingredients were identified. That dramatherapy fosters autonomy, freedom and agency (1), that experiences are processed creatively (2), that CYPs experience and express emotions (3) in dramatherapy, were found; dramatherapy's person-centredness (4) and the use of structure (5) were also found. The creation of safety, in the therapeutic relationship (6) and space (7) and, the ability to develop meaningful social connections (8) via dramatherapy, were also identified as active ingredients, as were, dramatherapists' use of theory (9), the importance of a systemic approach (10) and that therapeutic experiences are integrated into life beyond dramatherapy (11). This study is the first to explore the active ingredients of school-based dramatherapy for CYPs with emotional distress. The findings presented may inform further research, measuring mediators of change, and practice, which enhances symptom reduction. • The active ingredients of dramatherapy with children have not been investigated. • Many dramatherapists work in schools and setting affects psychotherapeutic process. • 11 active ingredients were found via interviews with school-based dramatherapists. • Amongst others, offering client agency and a safe therapeutic relationship were found. • Understanding active ingredients can help us to deliver effective dramatherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Group psychotherapy improves therapeutic process, fosters identification with others, and increases illness awareness; (2) Methods: In 40 weekly group sessions held in an acute psychiatric ward during one year, we retrospectively evaluated the inpatients’ participation and the demographic and clinical variables of the individuals hospitalized in the ward, the group type according to Bion’s assumptions, the main narrative themes expressed, and the mentalization processes by using the Mentalization-Based Therapy-Group Adherence and Quality Scale (MBT-G-AQS); (3) Results: The “working” group was the prevailing one, and the most represented narrative theme was “treatment programs”; statistically significant correlations were found between the group types according to Bion’s assumptions and the main narrative themes (Fisher’s exact, p = 0.007); at our multivariate linear regression, the MBT-G-AQS overall occurrence score (dependent variable) was positively correlated with the number of group participants (coef. = 14.87; p = 0.011) and negatively with the number of participants speaking in groups (coef. = −16.87, p = 0.025); (4) Conclusion: our study suggests that the group shows consistent defense mechanisms, relationships, mentalization, and narrative themes, which can also maintain a therapeutic function in an acute ward.

Background: Emotion regulation is a crucial skill that can significantly impact mental health, social interactions, and overall well-being. Dance Movement Therapy (DMT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses dance and movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration., Objectives: This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of scholarly research and publications exploring the impact of DMT on enhancing emotion regulation capabilities., Methods: A literature search was conducted in various databases, and specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were established to ensure the relevance and quality of the chosen research. The data extraction and analysis phase involved carefully extracting pertinent information from each selected study and a methodical approach to analysis aimed at synthesizing and interpreting the findings cohesively., Results: The review highlights the potential benefits of DMT in regulating emotions and identifies gaps and disparities in existing research, emphasizing potential areas that warrant further investigation., Conclusion: The findings of this review contribute to a robust exploration of the relationship between emotion regulation and DMT, shedding light on the impact of DMT on emotion regulation and providing insights into future research directions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

(GMF). They propose the reasons for choosing this methodological model, referring to antiinstitutional experiences and the specific characteristics of group therapy. They then highlight the classical and particular therapeutic factors of GMF, as well as those inherent in community treatment. They then propose some clinical vignettes from which they deduce a theoretical hypothesis concerning the development of a previously absent fantasy of care that involves all the members of the group through the development of an enlarged mind. The hypothetical mechanism of change of the bonds between the members of the group and in the internal groupality of the individuals is described. They concludes by describing the significant characteristics of the use of the multifamily group within a therapeutic community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a systematic review of group counseling interventions facilitated by school counselors that included academic achievement as outcome targets. We examined the articles that met the criteria to identify any therapeutic factors within the group interventions. A total of 18 articles met the criteria and all of the studies with the largest effect size (i.e., above.8) were found to have imparting information as one of the therapeutic factors coded as part of the intervention. Five articles were either qualitative in nature or did not present enough descriptive data to calculate effect size. These articles included at least three therapeutic factors and raised an important implication for mixed-method research studies to ensure more inclusive approaches in the future. We provide recommendations for practice and research and conclude this article with a call for more group counseling research in schools. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In online psychodrama, with all its peculiarities and risks, is it possible to a complete therapeutic process take place, moved by the therapeutic factors: action catharsis, action insight, action learning, corrective emotional experience and reintegration of the new experience; the same as in psychodrama in therapeutic room? The focus is on possible effects and challenges of interference of different realities when working with psychodrama in the space of a virtual platform. Invasion of external reality in the individual space and reality of the auxiliary ego could influence the online group reality. The result can be a mixture of different times, spaces and realities, as well as the chance to unlock a deep process, catalyzing a personal work for the protagonist.

Introduction: Most psychotherapists had no choice during the COVID-19 pandemic but to offer teletherapy in order to provide needed treatment. Several psychoanalytic theorists wondered if the very concept of treatment would change without an embodied relationship in an office setting. Methods: To attempt to understand the current concept of effective psychodynamic treatment in the new norm of teletherapy, we surveyed practitioners from 56 countries and regions who remotely treated patients psychodynamically during the beginning months of the pandemic. We asked the practitioners to rank six factors felt to be important to psychodynamic treatment: use of the couch during sessions, session in-office or via teletherapy, cultural similarity between therapist and patient, number of sessions a week, patient factors (motivation, insightfulness, and high functioning) and therapist factors (empathy, warmth, wisdom, and skillfulness). Results: We received 1,490 survey responses. As predicted, we found that the therapist and patient variables were considered much more important (both tied as highest rankings) to effective treatment than any of the other variables, including if the therapy was in-office or by teletherapy. Discussion: Psychodynamic practitioners worldwide confirmed that the empathy, warmth, wisdom, and skillfulness of the therapist and the motivation, insightfulness, and level of functioning of the patient are most important to treatment effectiveness regardless if the treatment is remote or embodied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical studies in the creative arts therapies (CATs; i.e., art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, psychodrama, and poetry/bibliotherapy) have grown rapidly in the last 10 years, documenting their positive impact on a wide range of psychological and physiological outcomes (e.g., stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, and pain). However, it remains unclear how and why the CATs have positive effects, and which therapeutic factors account for these changes. Research that specifically focuses on the therapeutic factors and/or mechanisms of change in CATs is only beginning to emerge. To gain more insight into how and why the CATs influence outcomes, we conducted a scoping review (Nstudies = 67) to pinpoint therapeutic factors specific to each CATs discipline, joint factors of CATs, and more generic common factors across all psychotherapy approaches. This review therefore provides an overview of empirical CATs studies dealing with therapeutic factors and/or mechanisms of change, and a detailed analysis of these therapeutic factors which are grouped into domains. A framework of 19 domains of CATs therapeutic factors is proposed, of which the three domains are composed solely of factors unique to the CATs: “embodiment,” “concretization,” and “symbolism and metaphors.” The terminology used in change process research is clarified, and the implications for future research, clinical practice, and CATs education are discussed.

Empirical studies in the creative arts therapies (CATs; i.e., art therapy, dance/movement therapy, drama therapy, music therapy, psychodrama, and poetry/bibliotherapy) have grown rapidly in the last 10 years, documenting their positive impact on a wide range of psychological and physiological outcomes (e.g., stress, trauma, depression, anxiety, and pain). However, it remains unclear how and why the CATs have positive effects, and which therapeutic factors account for these changes. Research that specifically focuses on the therapeutic factors and/or mechanisms of change in CATs is only beginning to emerge. To gain more insight into how and why the CATs influence outcomes, we conducted a scoping review (N studies = 67) to pinpoint therapeutic factors specific to each CATs discipline, joint factors of CATs, and more generic common factors across all psychotherapy approaches. This review therefore provides an overview of empirical CATs studies dealing with therapeutic factors and/or mechanisms of change, and a detailed analysis of these therapeutic factors which are grouped into domains. A framework of 19 domains of CATs therapeutic factors is proposed, of which the three domains are composed solely of factors unique to the CATs: "embodiment," "concretization," and "symbolism and metaphors." The terminology used in change process research is clarified, and the implications for future research, clinical practice, and CATs education are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several studies support group therapy effectiveness due to the activation in patients of unique psychological mechanisms defined as non-specific therapeutic factors (Therapeutic Factors-TFs), which shape the setting and, at the same time, enhance the specific group therapeutic factors. The objectives of this study were to preliminarly validate Therapeutic Factors Inventory-8 (TFI-8) Italian version and identify group therapeutic factors. In a psychiatric residential facility, a weekly psychotherapeutic group was evaluated during 1 year. One scale on group process (TFI-8, Ferrara-Group Experience Scale) and three clinical scales (Brief Symptom Inventory-53, Sheehan Disability Scale, WHO Quality of Life-Bref) were administered to participating patients. Internal consistency, Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), convergent validity of TFI-8 were assessed. Correlations between TFI-8 and other scale scores and selected variables were pwerformed. Our sample consisted of 64 participants. TFI-8 showed good internal consistency (Chronbach's alpha = 0.84), concurrent validity with Fe-GES (Rho = 0.42, p = 0.0008). EFA highlighted a single Factor, accounting for 92% of variance. TFI-8 was not significantly related to clinical scale scores. TFI-8 Italian version proved to be a valid and reliable tool which allowed us to identify one therapeutic factor indicating relational attraction in group therapy, composed of three dimensions: infusion of hope, cohesion and social learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Therapeutic factors are one of the important mechanisms providing change in group therapy. Assessing therapeutic factors give information regarding group processes and helps group therapists conduct the group more effectively. In this study, we aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Therapeutic Factors Inventory—Short Form (TFI-SF) to assess therapeutic factors in group settings. Methods: A total of 128 group members who completed cognitive behavioral group therapy (CBT) for different problems and psychodrama groups participated in this study. IFE-SF and the Group Climate Questionnaire (GCQ) were applied. Construct validity, convergent validity, group differences methods for validity analysis, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, and item-total correlation analysis for reliability analysis were used. Results: According to the results of confirmatory factor analysis for construct validity; when 1 item was deleted, the 4-factor model had acceptable goodness of fit values. For convergent validity, there was a significant positive correlation between the subscales of IFE-SF and the subscale of GCQ. The results of multivariate analysis of variance showed that the CBT and psychodrama groups did not differ in terms of TFI-19 subscales. Cronbach’s alpha reliability coefficients were found to be between 0.57 and 0.87, and item-total correlation values were in the acceptable range. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the Turkish version of İFE-SF is a valid and reliable tool to assess therapeutic factors in a group therapy setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors propose a psychoanalyticreading of the psychopathology, underlining the shift of the objective, knowledge and care, from the pathology to the subjectthatis the bearer and to the widening, in a horizontal way, to the dimensionIntersubjective, and in a vertical and diachronicway, to that trans generational. The diagnosisisconsidered a necessary and importantobjectiveingoperation, whichallows to reduce the individualcomplexity to constant and generalizablephenomena in an supra-individualdimension, however, support the authors, it must notPrematurelysaturating the cognitive process in itsunfolding in the analyticalrelationship, understood the latteras a place of production of content and unconsciouspsychicforms and notonlyas a scenario of theirmanifestations. Itishighlightedthatpsychoanalyticresearch, in particular in the field of childhood and adolescence, and in relation to severe manifestations of psychicsuffering, hasincreasinglyplacedattention, even for the purpose of diagnosticevaluation, at the levels Primitive and undifferentiatedpsychicfunctioning and the dimensions of pre-mentality in the peri-natal and fetal life. The authors, supported by the mostrecentpsychoanalyticliterature on the topic of psychopathologyaswellas the therapeuticfactors of the cure, alsoexpose some thesis on the evaluation of the new manifestations of the psychicdiscomfort, whichoccurOften by the way of somatic or more genericallyasenigmatic "unbeing" in living assubjects in the world. At the same, the questionistaken on these new clinicalforms, ifthey are evidencedbecause of the changes in the evaluationinstruments or whetherthey are objectivelyidentifiable and classifiable.

Concretization is a concept that has different meanings in different psychological theories and varying manifestations in different psychotherapies. In psychodrama, much of the available information on concretization draws on J. L. Moreno’s initial conceptualization, descriptive case studies, and interpretations in the various approaches. However, concretization has not been empirically studied as a concept or as a therapeutic mechanism of change. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to generate an empirically based conceptualization and operationalization of concretization as well as to identify its clinical benefits in psychodrama. To this end, semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with seven experienced psychodrama therapists. Using a grounded theory approach for the data analysis, the model that emerged consists of three pathways toward concretization: realistic concretization, symbolic concretization, and integrated concretization. The findings suggest a sequential multistep operation that can be linear or nonlinear, depending on the protagonist’s need. The findings also underscore four benefits of concretization as a mechanism of change in psychodrama: reducing the ambiguity of the problem, externalizing the protagonist’s problem, enhancing the therapist-protagonist therapeutic bond, and bypassing the protagonist’s defense mechanisms. The model is discussed in light of the findings and the literature, and future directions are suggested.

Concretization is a concept that has different meanings in different psychological theories and varying manifestations in different psychotherapies. In psychodrama, much of the available information on concretization draws on J. L. Moreno's initial conceptualization, descriptive case studies, and interpretations in the various approaches. However, concretization has not been empirically studied as a concept or as a therapeutic mechanism of change. Therefore, the purpose of this qualitative study was to generate an empirically based conceptualization and operationalization of concretization as well as to identify its clinical benefits in psychodrama. To this end, semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted with seven experienced psychodrama therapists. Using a grounded theory approach for the data analysis, the model that emerged consists of three pathways toward concretization: realistic concretization, symbolic concretization, and integrated concretization. The findings suggest a sequential multistep operation that can be linear or nonlinear, depending on the protagonist's need. The findings also underscore four benefits of concretization as a mechanism of change in psychodrama: reducing the ambiguity of the problem, externalizing the protagonist's problem, enhancing the therapist-protagonist therapeutic bond, and bypassing the protagonist's defense mechanisms. The model is discussed in light of the findings and the literature, and future directions are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Prior to the COVID-19 global health emergency, reducing direct contacts between therapists and patients is an important issue, and could be achieved by using robots to perform certain caring activities. OBJECTIVE: This study compares therapeutic factors of singing group activities directed by social robots and by occupational therapists at elderly care centers during this COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS: This project has a quasi-experimental research design, based on a pilot study of 14 subjects aged above 65 years. They received eight sessions of singing group therapy given by a social robot or an occupational therapist. Completed copies of a therapeutic-factor questionnaire were then collected. RESULTS: At the 4th week, the scores for 8 therapeutic factors were higher in sessions with the occupational therapist than the robot-directed sessions, reaching a statistically significant level; at the 8th week, the scores for 3 therapeutic factors, including imparting of information, were higher in sessions with the occupational therapist than in sessions with the robot. The top scoring therapeutic factor in the robot sessions was group cohesiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Social robots may be good companion tools for elderly care during this COVID-19 outbreak, but group therapy sessions supervised by real-person therapists still have higher therapeutic factor scores than those conducted by robots. The number of subjects needs to be increased to enhance the validity of future study results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is the main cause of low back pain (LBP), which significantly impacts global wellbeing and contributes to global productivity declines. Conventional treatment approaches, encompassing conservative and surgical interventions, merely serve to postpone the advancement of IDD without offering a fundamental reversal. Consequently, there is an urgent demand for an effective approach to prevent the progression of IDD. Recent investigations focusing on the treatment of IDD utilizing diverse bioactive substances integrated within various biomaterials have exhibited promising outcomes. Various bioactive substances, encompassing conventional small molecule drugs, small molecule nucleic acids, and cell therapies, exhibit distinct capacities for repairing IDD. Additionally, various biological material delivery systems, such as nano micelles, microspheres, and hydrogels, possess diverse biological and release characteristics. Consequently, these diverse materials and drugs hold promise for advancing the treatment of IDD. This article aims to provide a concise overview of the IDD process and investigate the research advancements in biomaterials and bioactive substances for IDD treatment, delving into their mechanisms., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Song, Guo, Wu, Liu, Kong and Wang.)

En el presente trabajo se analiza y reflexiona sobre las respuestas a una encuesta de satisfacción tras un encuadre de psicoterapia grupal operativa psicoanalítica. Se analiza la importancia concedida a la relación terapéutica, tomando como referencia un modelo factorial sobre la relación grupal. En base a los datos analizados, se acaba concluyendo que los pacientes evocan aspectos relativos a la relación terapéutica cuando dan respuesta a una encuesta de satisfacción, lo que indica su importancia en el balance que hacen de la psicoterapia de grupo. Además, en la encuesta emergen los factores incluidos en el modelo sobre la relación terapéutica (vínculo positivo, trabajo positivo y relaciones negativas).

Despite research supporting the efficacy of family therapy for adolescent depression, little research has been done to clarify the therapeutic variables that Chinese families with depressed adolescents consider helpful in family therapy. This study explored depressed Chinese adolescents’ and their parents’ perceptions of the factors promoting improvement in family therapy. Twelve Chinese families with one adolescent child fulfilling the criteria for major depressive disorder were recruited. A total of 134 family therapy sessions were conducted by four therapists. After therapy, semi-structured interviews about the clients’ perceptions of the helpful and effective aspects of therapy were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed dialogues. Five overarching themes emerged: factors supporting therapeutic alliance formation, the therapist’s systemic attitude, systemic therapy direction, effective systemic therapy techniques, and strategies for dealing with current issues. A trustworthy therapy alliance with a competent and supportive therapist helped depressed adolescents improve by facilitating the expression of their emotions; exploring family interactions, beliefs, and emotion flows related to their symptoms; promoting their self-development; and activating their resources. The families valued the respectfulness of the therapists and their collaborative and non-authoritative approach. Adolescents’ academic difficulties and crises received special attention. The possible clinical implementations of our findings in the design of family therapy strategies for depressed Chinese adolescents are discussed.

The pandemic of 2020 had faculty pivoting quickly from face-to-face to remote teaching. Many of us had to manage this herculean task with little know-how and within a short time-frame. Best practices were unclear given the highly individualized circumstances in which students were now living. Group work within an educational framework is possible and can help students effectively manage the stresses resulting from sudden crisis situations. The key to group work as practiced by social workers is mutual aid and it was this process that emerged in an online class for undergraduate students. It was not planned yet evolved in large part due to students' capacity for caring, empathy, and connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are more positive effects of the horticultural therapy group on the elderly. To understand the group therapeutic factors is to contribute to decide and modify group strategies and concepts, and promote abilities of group practices. The purpose of this study was to explore the therapeutic factors of empowerment-based horticultural therapy group on the elderly. The horticultural therapy group was designed by the concepts of the empowerment in combination with horticultural activities. There were eight sessions in this group program, including understanding plants, planting plants, gardening and horticultural activities. The group was led by a horticultural therapist and a certified counselor. There're 10 over the age of 65 older people who lived in urban areas invited to participate this group. The research methods were used quantitative and qualitative mixed design. The data collection was conducted using quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews. "Group therapeutic factor inventory" were conducted after second, fifth, and last session of this group, and semi-structed in-depth interviews were conducted after the end of the group to understand the therapeutic factors for elderly people participated in this group. The statistical results of questionnaire surveys were found that was a high frequency of "positive feeling for group", "action elicitation" and "cognitive acquisition" in the early stage, "positive feeling for group" and "action elicitation" in the medium-term stage, while "positive feeling for group", "action elicitation" and "altruism" in the latter stage of the group. Overall, the highest frequency of "positive feeling for group" occurred. In order to understand the frequency differences of group therapeutic factors between stages, the Nonparametric statistics method were utilized. The significant differences between the stages were found. There were early and medium-term stage, medium-term and the latter stage of the group, but no difference between early and the latter stage of the group. It had been observed that each frequency of the eight group therapeutic factors has significantly promoted in the latter stage of this group. The results of the interview data analysis were that six beneficial factors such as "sharing works, accomplishments, horticultural skills learning, expectations, positive emotions, and health concerns" have positive contributions to the elderly. "Sharing works" were referred to the psychological sharing derived from the completion of horticultural products, that is, the horticultural therapy process allowed the elderly to have the opportunity to share the works completed in the process, and could benefit positively through sharing. "Accomplishments" were referred to the sense of accomplishment of participating in the horticultural activities. The elderly people felt the gains and achievements through the participation process of this group. "Horticultural skills learning" were referred to the learning of gardening related skills, that is, the elderly experienced the cooperation, exchange and learning of related skills through the participation of the group. "Expectations" were referred to expect to participate this horticultural therapy activities, that is, the elderly expressed their expectations and hope for the continuation and participation of future groups in the process of participating in horticultural therapy group. "Positive emotions" meant the process of horticultural activities brings positive emotions and relief effects, that is, the elderly generally experienced positive relief effects through the participation of horticultural activities, and also have a positive effect on the catharsis of emotions. "Health concerns" meant that the elderly participants discussed health issues between and after this group sessions, that is, who were involved in this horticultural therapy group to, and experienced the importance of physical health issues through the group process. Overall, there were positive benefits for the elderly participated in the empowerment-oriented horticultural therapy group. Understanding the connotation of group therapeutic factors under the context of horticultural therapy has reference value for the construction and implementation of horticultural therapy for the elderly. According to the research results, it was suggested that a therapeutic factor scale with horticultural therapy characteristics can be developed in the future, and relevant recommendations were provided for follow-up studies and practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Therapeutic factors in group therapy are specific group phenomena that encourage beneficial changes that contribute to the recovery of persons with mental health difficulties. Therapeutic group factors are considered universal and occur in all groups regardless of the objectives and methods one implements. The paper describes therapeutic factors of instillation of hope, universality, provision of information, altruism, a corrective recap of the primary family group, development of social skills, imitating behavior, interpersonal learning, group cohesion, catharsis, and existential factors. The authors discuss the influence of these factors on the process of group psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite research supporting the efficacy of family therapy for adolescent depression, little research has been done to clarify the therapeutic variables that Chinese families with depressed adolescents consider helpful in family therapy. This study explored depressed Chinese adolescents' and their parents' perceptions of the factors promoting improvement in family therapy. Twelve Chinese families with one adolescent child fulfilling the criteria for major depressive disorder were recruited. A total of 134 family therapy sessions were conducted by four therapists. After therapy, semi-structured interviews about the clients' perceptions of the helpful and effective aspects of therapy were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the transcribed dialogues. Five overarching themes emerged: factors supporting therapeutic alliance formation, the therapist's systemic attitude, systemic therapy direction, effective systemic therapy techniques , and strategies for dealing with current issues. A trustworthy therapy alliance with a competent and supportive therapist helped depressed adolescents improve by facilitating the expression of their emotions; exploring family interactions, beliefs, and emotion flows related to their symptoms; promoting their self-development; and activating their resources. The families valued the respectfulness of the therapists and their collaborative and non-authoritative approach. Adolescents' academic difficulties and crises received special attention. The possible clinical implementations of our findings in the design of family therapy strategies for depressed Chinese adolescents are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spiritually-oriented art therapy interventions are based on a holistic, therapeutic approach that aims to enable people who are in fragmented states to achieve integrity, unity, harmony, and balance by taking all the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual dimensions of human nature into account using the medium of art and its creative processes. Art is considered intrinsically spiritual by many artists and art therapists, and the history of art and its relationship to treatment is as old as human history; however, open consideration of the spiritual dimension in therapeutic settings, particularly in art therapy interventions, is relatively new. Reviewing the emergence of spiritually-oriented art therapy interventions and their mechanisms of change is considered useful for seeing how they enable holistic transformation. These mechanisms have been determined as self-realization and understanding, transcendence, meaning-making and searching for a purpose, and achieving integrity through the holistic wellbeing approach.

Objectives: Psychic perceptions are at the core of psychotherapeutic processes and modifiable by certain psychopharmacologic agents including antidepressants and cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors like acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Methods: We analyzed the medical records of 208 participants, and used the weekly mean dosages and the number of weeks in therapy to predict ward experience (Stationserfahrungsbogen) and symptom burden (symptom-check list 90-R) by means of linear regression analyses and four repeated measures. Results: Time predicted symptom relief. ASA signified a more favorable ward experience and a trend towards less suffering. Antidepressants did not predict symptom burden or ward experience, except for amitriptyline's inverse relationship with process perception. Discussion: Regarding process perception and therapy outcome, amitriptyline might have unfavorable effects at dose reductions, whereas COX-inhibition could be beneficial at higher dosages. Similar findings have already been described with regard to COX-inhibition in depression and schizophrenia.

The present study examined the therapeutic factors operating during a psychoeducational group intervention designed to promote school adjustment in first-grade students. The group members completed the Critical Incidents Questionnaire at home after every group session. The therapeutic factors were classified according to Bloch, Reibstein, Crouch, Holroyd, and Themen's taxonomy, although additional categories of critical incidents were applied. Results showed that guidance and acceptance were the most valued therapeutic factors. Cognitive factors were reported more often than behavioral or emotional ones. In addition, the presence of the therapeutic factors was more intense during the beginning and middle stage of the program, gradually giving their place to other categories of critical incidents. Overall, the emergence of therapeutic factors appears to be affected by the program's educational aspect. We suggest that a wider classification of factors is required to reflect the variety of critical incidents occurring during a psychoeducational group intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study entailed a qualitative content analysis of therapeutic factors in equine-facilitated group psychotherapy (EFGP) for women trauma survivors (n = 9). Our findings indicated that instillation of hope, self-understanding, learning from interpersonal action, guidance, and acceptance frequently appeared in group members’ narratives about their most important session events. These, as well as other group therapeutic factors, manifested in unique ways specific to the EFGP format. Clinical practice implications and new directions for future research investigations are discussed within the context of designing and delivering equine-facilitated therapy groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many adolescents identify with spiritual beliefs, which positively impact mental health and resilience. Group therapy has been described as optimal to use with adolescents, because of the significant role of peer relationships and identity formation at this developmental period. Research has shown that group therapy also provides a spiritual experience specific to adolescents. Incorporating spirituality into group therapy, however, remains an understudied topic. Yalom's therapeutic factors are used as a conceptual framework to understand the spiritual constructs behind group dynamics; thus clinicians may provide adolescents with a safe environment for spiritual growth. The theoretical underpinnings of group psychotherapy are conducive to cultivating life meaning, positive interpersonal relationships, and resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance to include body-sensations and movement into the therapeutic and psycho-analytic process has been emphasized in current years. Somatic Transference and Countertransference add to the perception and analysis of physical sensations of both client and therapist. This paper addresses the very moment of change in working somatically with the pre- and non-verbal realm. It focuses on the inter-subjective experience during specific moments of change, when clients engage in silent, self-initiated free movement, dropping into a dream-like as well as alert state of consciousness. In a hermeneutically analysed clinical case the body transforms the psycho-physiological conglomerate of a pending issue. Moments of intensified sensory experience are illustrated, when the client subjectively starts to dissolve constricting patterns held in the body and moves from there into something new, beyond their usual ego and body perception. The resonance-phenomena illustrated relate to field interactions as described in Brennan Healing Science® (BHS). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The circle represents a powerful symbol with perceived characteristics of totality, wholeness and completeness. Forming a circle is used frequently in Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), emerging on several occasions during a DMT session, especially when working with the model which originated with Marian Chace. The therapeutic factors of the circle formation are fascinating but are rarely documented. This article explores the circle as a symbol and documents the ways in which DMT works with groups, by comparing the essential elements of circle DMT with group therapeutic factors. It reviews the pertinent literature on the subject and summarizes three basic elements of working within a circle, namely, containment and holding, multi-mirroring, and physical contact through the holding of hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Addictive disorders have a strong psychosocial component in their etiogenesis, and hence psychosocial approaches form a significant part of management planning with a role in prevention, treatment, relapse prevention and long term rehabilitation. Due to a number of myths and misconceptions associated with addictive disorders, there is often strong resistance from the patients as well as the families towards treatment. The disorder is often perceived as a bad habit and hence not requiring treatment. It is very important to break this barrier to bring the patient and the family in treatment engagement. This article summarizes the need for psychosocial management of the addictive disorders, dealing with treatment resistance building therapeutic alliance, and improving the long term outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a small body of social work literature on working with youth who are at risk in group settings using expressive art modalities. Authors have begun to explore the specific benefits of this and have found interpersonal and intrapersonal improvements, among other positive outcomes. The following article provides an overview of a particular ongoing activity, Sketchbooks, used to facilitate group process. In this article, the authors describe how individual Sketchbooks help foster therapeutic and strengths-based group factors in The Youth Public Arts Program (YPAP), a psycho-educational art program for youth who are at risk. The following describes the Youth Public Arts Program, the Sketchbook activity and 6-week curriculum, and examples of how the therapeutic factors are manifested in this particular group program. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]