Psycho-education groups

Definition^back to top

Cognitive behavioral group is a type of psychotherapy based on the idea that your own distorted thoughts and beliefs lead to your negative moods and unhealthy behavior. Cognitive behavioral theory says that other people, situations and events aren't responsible for your mood and behavior – you are.

According to the theory behind cognitive behavioral therapy, you have automatic but inaccurate thoughts or beliefs in certain situations. These inaccurate thoughts lead to unhealthy moods and behavior, such as anxiety and overeating. Cognitive behavioral groups help you become aware of these inaccurate thoughts and beliefs. You learn to view situations more realistically. This allows you to behave and react in a healthier way – even if the situation itself hasn't changed.

Groups are a formal type of mental health treatment that brings together several people with similar conditions under the guidance of trained mental health providers. Group cognitive behavioral groups are a common type of psychotherapy. It combines features of both cognitive therapy and behavior therapy. Cognitive behavioral groups are helpful for numerous mental illnesses and stressful life situations. Participation in the groups can help you feel less alone, find new coping skills and motivate you to stick to treatment plans. They also can be a source of hope for recovery and a more enjoyable future

Why it's done^back to top

Group cognitive behavioral therapy is one of many effective ways to treat a wide range of mental illnesses and life stressors.

When to consider cognitive behavioral therapy^back to top

Cognitive behavioral therapy may be used because:

• You want to experience emotional growth and healing
• You're having a hard time overcoming negative moods and self-destructive behavior
• You want to prevent a relapse of your condition

Cognitive Psycho-Educational Groups that we provide at Yuma Mental Health & Wellness Center include:^back to top

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Stress and Anger Management
• Additional groups as they are suggested or topics are developed

Risks ^back to top

In general, group cognitive behavioral therapy poses little risk. Because in group you can explore painful feelings and experiences, though, you may feel emotionally uncomfortable at times. Some forms of cognitive behavioral groups, such as exposure group, may require you to confront situations you'd rather avoid – such as airplanes if you have a fear of flying. This can lead to temporary distress or anxiety. But the coping skills you learn should help you later on to manage and conquer distressful feelings and thoughts.

During group psychotherapy^back to top

For cognitive behavioral groups, as with most types of psychotherapy, group members and the group leader generally sit facing each other during sessions. Your group leader encourages you to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what's troubling you. You may find it hard to open up about your feelings. Your group leader can help you gain more confidence and comfort.

Cognitive behavioral groups are generally focused on specific problems and goals affecting you now. Each session may have a specific agenda to guide discussion. As you go through the cognitive behavioral group process, your group leader may ask you to do "homework" – activities, reading or practices that build on what you learn during your regular group sessions. Along with homework, your group leader may ask that you schedule time for activities you enjoy or once enjoyed.

Because groups sometime involve intense emotional discussions, you may cry, get upset or have an angry outburst during a session. You may also feel physically exhausted after a group session. Your group leader helps you cope with these feelings and emotions.

Five typical steps in cognitive behavioral groups^back to top

Although there are different ways to conduct cognitive behavioral groups, it typically includes five steps:

1. Identify and discuss information about the group process. This may include information about a mental health disorder or problem, diagnosis. The group leader will discuss the biological basis of the disorder, treatment and factors that may influence the course of the illness. Group members and the group leader will outline the problems and goals on which the group will focus. The group leader with discuss the rules of the group- timeliness, confidentiality, consideration of other members, homework assignments and the group goals.
2. Become aware of your thoughts, emotions and beliefs about these situations or conditions. The group leader encourages group members to share thoughts and feelings. This may include what you tell yourself about an experience (your "self-talk"), your interpretation of the meaning of a situation, and your beliefs about yourself, other people and events. The group leader may suggest that you keep a journal of your thoughts and self-talk. Your thoughts and beliefs may be positive, negative or neutral. They may be rational (based on reason, logic or facts) or they may be irrational. As the group continues, you’ll explore negative or inaccurate thought patterns and work to replace them with more positive, accurate thinking.
3. Identify negative or inaccurate thinking. Your thoughts about a situation or condition can affect the way you react to it. Inaccurate or negative thoughts and beliefs about something or someone can lead you to react in undesirable ways. To help you determine whether distorted thinking may be contributing to your problem, your group leader and group members may discuss positive ways to pay attention to the physical, emotional and behavioral responses to a troubling event or issue.
4. Challenge negative or inaccurate thinking. As you continue to examine your thinking patterns, the group leader may encourage you to test the validity of your thoughts and beliefs. This may include asking yourself whether your view of an event fits the facts and logic, and whether there might be other explanations for a situation. This step can be difficult. You may have long-standing ways of thinking about your life and yourself. The group also helps in challenging negative patterns you may hold. Many thought patterns are first developed in childhood. Thoughts and beliefs that you've held for a long time feel normal and correct to you. You may not easily recognize inaccuracies in your thinking. The group works together to understand how these inaccuracies affect your thinking, beliefs, mood and emotions.
5. Change your thoughts, beliefs and behaviors. The final step in the group process is learning to replace negative or inaccurate thinking with positive and accurate thoughts and beliefs. By changing your view of a situation and your view of yourself, you may be able to find more constructive ways to cope – your behavior will become less harmful or self-defeating. The group works together in developing healthier thinking and behavioral patterns. Changing your thought patterns also can be difficult. Thoughts often occur spontaneously or automatically, without any effort on your part. It can be hard to control or turn off your thoughts. Thoughts can be very powerful, and they aren't always based on logic. It takes time and effort to learn how to replace distressing thoughts with rational, positive ones. The group leader and group members help each other recognize and challenge distorted thinking with more realistic thinking. Your group leader also may help you identify behaviors you wish to change and give you the chance to practice new ways to deal with situations that trigger negative, distorted thoughts in the group environment where you can receive feedback and support for changes in your life.

Length of groups^back to top

Cognitive behavioral groups is generally considered short-term – about 8 to 12 sessions. Group members and the group leader work together through each of the sessions to achieve individual and group goals for changing their thoughts, beliefs and behaviors to improve their lives.

Results^back to top

Cognitive behavioral groups may not cure your condition or make an unpleasant situation go away. But overall, it's a highly effective treatment. It can give you the power to cope with your situation in a healthy way and to feel better about yourself and your life.

Benefits of cognitive behavioral group:^back to top

Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you:

• Gain a better understanding of your condition or situation
• Identify and change behaviors or thoughts that negatively affect your life
• Explore relationships and experiences
• Find better ways to cope and solve problems
• Learn to set realistic goals for your life
• Feel better about yourself
• Reduce the likelihood of a relapse

Getting the most out of cognitive behavioral group^back to top

To get the most out of your therapy and help make it a success:

• Approach group as a partnership. Cognitive behavioral therapy is most effective when you're an active participant and share in the group process. As the group progresses, members and the group leader can evaluate progress and goals over time.
• Be open and honest. Success with group psychotherapy depends on a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings and experiences, and on being open to new insights and ways of doing things. If you're reluctant to talk about certain things because of painful emotions, embarrassment or fears about group member’s or the group leader's reaction, let your group leader know.
• Stick to your treatment plan. If you feel down or lack motivation, it may be tempting to skip sessions. Doing so can disrupt your progress. Aim to attend all sessions and to give some thought to what you want to discuss. Tell your group leader if you have reservations about therapy.
• Don't expect instant results. Working on emotional issues can be painful and may require hard work. It's not uncommon to feel worse during the initial part of therapy as you begin to confront past and current conflicts. You may need several sessions before you begin to see improvement.
• Do your homework between sessions. When the group leader gives assigns work outside of the regular group therapy sessions, be sure to do it. Doing these homework assignments is important because they help you apply what you've learned in the psychotherapy sessions.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with your group members and the group leader. Successful cognitive behavioral therapy depends on a productive and trustful relationship between each group member and the group leader. Talk to your group leader if any part of your therapy troubles you.