In our initial article on this topic, we looked at the benefits of support groups, in particular those groups for people suffering from common mental health ailments such as depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders and mood disorders.
We also looked at some of the more unhelpful aspects of these groups beginning with the problems that potentially occur when two members of the same group form a sexual relationship. The presence of a couple in the group alters the group dynamic, but the main damage occurs if the relationship breaks up. One or other of the group participants will find it difficult to stay in the group and therefore the valuable support of that group will be lost.
Many groups have rules prohibiting such relationships forming in the group since the potential for problems, both interpersonal and intergroup, are significant. Of course, feelings of sexual attraction cannot be stopped, however a wise group insists on requesting that partners be in separate groups. This benefits the partners as well since they are then free to comment on problems they are experiencing within their relationships. The group members are not expected to become relationship counselors to two people who are actually in the room and actively arguing. The latter can become distressing for already stressed group members and hence detrimental to the health both of individuals and the group itself.
Another problem in a support group is the group dominator. This person is so consumed with their own problems that they not only take up most of the weekly session with their own agendas, but they have little empathy for other people’s problems. Week after week, this behavior can snowball into a huge problem if not checked. It may often lead to people leaving the group because they feel they are not being heard. Again, strong leadership skills are required to keep this person in check, otherwise the group will suffer.
In coming articles we will examine further pitfalls of support groups and how to address these common occurrences.
Contact Beth McHugh for further assistance regarding this issue.
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