Peer Responses – Overcoming Challenges in Family and Group Therapy

Peer Responses – Overcoming Challenges in Family and Group Therapy

Response 1: Overcoming Challenges in Family Therapy

Hello,

Your analysis highlights the complexities inherent in group and family therapy, particularly the challenges of differing perspectives and following through with therapeutic experiments. Here are two strategies to overcome these challenges:

Strategy 1: Implementing Structured Communication Techniques

Regarding the dilemma of perceived poor communication within families, the therapist can make use of some specific communication skills, such as the ‘speaker-listener’ approach. This way, every member of the family gets a chance to air their sentiments and feelings, and everyone gets an opportunity to listen to the other, which helps solve everyday problems and conflicts. Besides, research by Mata et al. (2021) has demonstrated that structured communication techniques can improve the efficacy of family therapy by promoting active listening and empathy among participants.

Strategy 2: Enhancing Commitment to Experiments through Collaborative Goal Setting

Many times, people may not be consistent in following through on therapeutic experiments formulated, but collective goal setting can assist with this. Notably, family members who have been engaged in defining their individual therapeutic goals will have better chances of adhering to them. Further, according to Varghese et al. (2020), goal-setting theory suggests that specific and challenging goals, coupled with feedback, lead to higher performance. When it comes to family therapy, this means agreeing with a family on realistic objectives that are tied to each experiment and making sure that families give and receive feedback often.

References

Mata, Á. N. de S., de Azevedo, K. P. M., Braga, L. P., de Medeiros, G. C. B. S., de Oliveira Segundo, V. H., Bezerra, I. N. M., Pimenta, I. D. S. F., Nicolás, I. M., & Piuvezam, G. (2021). Training in communication skills for self-efficacy of health professionals: A systematic review. Human Resources for Health, 19(1), 1–9. https://human-resources-health.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12960-021-00574-3

Varghese, M., Kirpekar, V., & Loganathan, S. (2020). Family interventions: Basic principles and techniques. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(2), 192–200. https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_770_19

Response 2: Addressing Competency and Resource Barriers in Group CBT

Hello,

Great work with your post. Your discussion is quite informative as it describes the advantages and disadvantages of conducting CBT in group formation. Here are two strategies to overcome the identified challenges:

Strategy 1: Comprehensive Training Programs for Therapists

To reduce concerns about the insufficiency of training in group CBT, formal training methods along with access to other professional developments should be promoted. These can be intense training sessions, web-based classes, and even supervised practice, to be more precise. Frank et al.’s (2020) study found that therapists who received structured, ongoing training showed significant improvements in their competence and confidence in delivering CBT. This training should be supported by institutions for the enhancement of the training of the therapist to be able to manage the challenges of group therapy.

Strategy 2: Leveraging Technology for Resource Optimization

Some of the barriers, like lack of proper funding and lack of adequate space, can be easily addressed using information technology and communication technology instruments. In addition, teletherapy applications enable group CBT sessions that can be convenient, especially when the requirement for physical space is little or no at all. Also, online group CBT can be as effective as in-person sessions, providing a viable solution for overcoming logistical barriers (Berardi et al., 2024). Additionally, the use of technology would assist in the tracking of resources for implementing group CBT protocols within the IAPT treatment plan.

References

Berardi, C., Antonini, M., Jordan, Z., Wechtler, H., Paolucci, F., & Hinwood, M. (2024). Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of digital technologies in mental health systems: A qualitative systematic review to inform a policy framework. BMC Health Services Research, 24(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-10536-1

Frank, H. E., Becker‐Haimes, E. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2020). Therapist training in evidence‐based interventions for mental health: A systematic review of training approaches and outcomes. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 27(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12330

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Post an explanation of how the use of CBT in groups compares to its use in family or individual settings. Explain at least two challenges PMHNPs might encounter when using CBT in one of these settings. Support your response with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly and attach the PDFs of your sources.

Overcoming Challenges in Family and Group Therapy

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

Respond to at least two of your colleagues by recommending strategies to overcome the challenges your colleagues have identified. Support your recommendation with evidence-based literature and/or your own experiences with clients.