Identify a specific group you would like to lead in your practice and discuss the purpose, your target population, how you would screen and recruit participants, establishing a fee schedule, the time frame (open or closed), number of participants, theoretical orientation for the group, selection of a co-therapist or why you do not want a co-therapist, marketing and advertising, and length of each session.
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I would like to lead a group therapy practice for adult survivors of childhood trauma. The purpose of this group would be to provide a safe and supportive space for individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma in their childhoods, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence.
The target population for this group would be adults (age 18 and above) who have experienced childhood trauma. I would prioritize individuals who have already engaged in individual therapy to ensure they have some level of readiness for group work. Additionally, I would consider their commitment to healing and self-growth as important factors in the screening process.
To screen and recruit participants, I would ask interested individuals to complete a comprehensive intake form that assesses their trauma history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. Additionally, I would conduct individual interviews with potential group members to further assess their suitability for the group and ensure that they are a good fit with the overall dynamic of the group.
In terms of establishing a fee schedule, I would consider the financial resources of potential participants. It is crucial to offer sliding scale options or potential insurance coverage to make the group accessible to a wider range of individuals. I would also explore the possibility of partnering with local support organizations to seek funding for those who may not have the financial means to participate.
Regarding the time frame, I would opt for a closed group, meaning that once the group is formed, no new members would be added. This allows for the establishment of trust and a sense of safety among group members. Holding the group over a fixed period, such as 12-16 weeks, would provide a structured time frame for participants to work collaboratively towards their goals.
The number of participants in this group would be around 8-10 individuals. This size allows for diversity in experiences, perspectives, and support, while still maintaining an intimate and cohesive group dynamic.
The selected theoretical orientation for this group would be trauma-informed and integrative, drawing from various evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This eclectic approach would help address a wide range of trauma-related symptoms and promote healing.
In this specific group practice, I would choose to have a co-therapist. The presence of a co-therapist would not only offer additional support and expertise but would also help manage potential countertransference and provide a balanced perspective during the therapeutic process. It would be important to ensure that the co-therapist also has experience and training in trauma therapy.
For marketing and advertising, I would utilize various channels such as professional networking platforms (e.g., LinkedIn), psychology directories (e.g., Psychology Today), and local community outreach programs. I would also collaborate with local mental health organizations and therapists to spread awareness about the group and its benefits.
Each group session would ideally be around 90 minutes in length. This session duration allows for sufficient time for participants to share, process, and engage in therapeutic activities, while also ensuring that the group stays focused and productive.