THE GROUP INTERVIEW PROCESS
The group interview
process is sometimes compared to a lengthy job interview. This short
description will highlight and clarify what is entailed in interviewing
for a psychotherapy group.
The goal of interviewing
is to clarify how the group works, the intricacies, and ups and downs
of group work. Exploring two basic questions is helpful: Will the group meet your needs and goals? Will
you be a fit for this group?
The
steps to a group interview include the following:
- A
short phone conversation, emphasizing a basic description of the group,
its goals, and other particulars.
- Interviews lasting between
two to three hours to specifically outline group characteristics, obstacles
and benefits. A series of questions are asked to elicit material, feelings and issues that will most likely surface in group participation, or have surfaced in previous groups. If you are currently in individual therapy, a request is made to have phone contact with your therapist, specifically to address his/her knowledge of your fit for group. A request will sometimes be made to speak to a prior group therapist. The
interview is conducted in two (or three) sessions; one session may
be on the phone.
- An
acknowledgment that the four page Group Guidelines have been reviewed and agreed to by you; completion of the Psychotherapy Group Screening Question List, including discussion of the completed questionnaire.
- Permission
to announce your name to the current group, so as to avoid any significant
relationships prior to joining the group.
- A
prior notice to the group of your arrival, usually between two
and four weeks.
- PLEASE
NOTE: You will notice it may take between four and eight
weeks to join a group. At
times, a group that you may be best suited for you is full,
which would require additional wait time. ON RARE
OCCASIONS I
will ask a group member to delay his joining the group, due
to one of two reasons: a) Not all the group members are
in attendance on the day you are planning to join; b) Something
significant and unforeseen has happened in the group, and your
arrival will most likely not benefit you or the group for that
particular week(s). You
will be kept informed of these factors that affect the joining
process.
Hopefully
this will help clarify the group interview and minimize
frustration that can be experienced in response to the
many facets of this process. Thank you for your patience and understanding. At
any point of the interview and joining process, as well
as when you are in group,
please feel encouraged to ask questions and to comment
regarding your concerns.
© 2006 Jamie Moran
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