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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by rubenstein on August 13, 2004, at 9:50:21
Hi, my therapist mentioned yesterday that he wanted me to be in a group that he is starting. I really don't want to do it. I am a choral conducting student and am so used to learning my lessons in front of people that I really feel that learning some issues about mental health in front of people would be too much for me. I was wondering if y'all could share some of your good and experiences with group therapy, thus maybe I could make a less biased decision on if I should start this process. Also, do you stop seeing your therapist when you start group therapy? Any help would be appreciated.
PS I am sooo sad he left for vacation....
Posted by shrinking violet on August 13, 2004, at 10:50:58
In reply to Group therapy? experiences...., posted by rubenstein on August 13, 2004, at 9:50:21
Hi :)I've been to groups for eating disorder issues, so I'm not sure whether my opinions/advice will be perfectly applicable, but I would think most groups are generally similar in dynamic.
I was hesitant about groups too, but I've grown to like the energy generated by people discussing and experiencing similar issues. I've found it's often very validating to hear others speak what I feel/think, when I am unable to verbalize it myself. I'm not sure whether yours would be a discussion group sort of setting, or a class setting (where your T or a similar person stands up and 'teaches' about a particular topic), but either way there is a sort of companionship that exists, and that can be very validating and liberating in its own way.
I hope I helped some? My advice would be to at least try the group, be open to it, and see how you feel after a few times. If it isn't for you, then at least you'll know you tried. Hopefully you'll get something out of it that you couldn't have gotten otherwise.
Good luck.
-SV
> Hi, my therapist mentioned yesterday that he wanted me to be in a group that he is starting. I really don't want to do it. I am a choral conducting student and am so used to learning my lessons in front of people that I really feel that learning some issues about mental health in front of people would be too much for me. I was wondering if y'all could share some of your good and experiences with group therapy, thus maybe I could make a less biased decision on if I should start this process. Also, do you stop seeing your therapist when you start group therapy? Any help would be appreciated.
>
> PS I am sooo sad he left for vacation....
Posted by Dinah on August 13, 2004, at 13:44:39
In reply to Group therapy? experiences...., posted by rubenstein on August 13, 2004, at 9:50:21
I think at least one person has run into the problem that a therapist who does both individual and group has two clients they have to juggle. They have to do what's best for the individual, but they also have to do what's best for the group.
I don't think I'd want to get into that relationship with my therapist.
That being said, there are all sorts of groups with differing goals and styles. How much of a problem it presents might depend a lot on the type of group.
Posted by rubenstein on August 14, 2004, at 9:51:08
In reply to Group therapy? experiences...., posted by rubenstein on August 13, 2004, at 9:50:21
THanks so much for you advice, I am still thinking about what to do, but I do think the whole double role with my therapist thing could be tricky. However, there are such good things that can come out of group...oh well, those decisions are for another day. Thanks again.
This is the end of the thread.
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