In previous articles we looked at problems caused by sexual relationships between members of the same mental health support group and also the destructive role of the group dominator.
Today we look at the role of another very common factor in support groups: that of the group saboteur. The group saboteur comes in various guises, all of which are destructive.
Ann had come to the group suffering from depression, but it soon became obvious that she had considerable problems other than depression. Problems that threatened the stability of the group. An accomplished academic, Ann liked to talk about her problems, but she also liked to talk about the other members of the group behind their backs. Extremely sensitive to perceived criticisms, which in fact were merely suggestions by group members to help her, she reacted to this “criticism” by using the time-honored tool of “divide-and-conquer.”
She would phone individual group members and try to get them on her side. Using her considerable persuasive skill as a professional mediator, she was able for a short time to manipulate individual group members to being “on her side.” Having gained the confidence of one member, she would move onto another and denigrate the first member in order to gain the “love” of her next victim.
Ann likely had little insight into why she was doing this, although she certainly was aware of this behavior. Common in elementary school playgrounds, this sort of behavior is the mark of an extremely insecure person. Unfortunately for Ann, this behavior only succeeded in getting her the exact opposite of what she wanted, which was closeness and friendship.
When group members quickly became alert to her actions, she was correctly challenged. The level of rage she exhibited was distressing to group members, but typical of a person with her disorder. However, Ann was sensible enough to realize that this particular group was not going to let her get away with this behavior, but it would allow her to discuss what was driving it. With effective external counseling, Ann has now moved ahead in her recovery, is only occasionally tempted to sabotage the group, and is honest enough to talk to group members within the confines of the group as to how she is feeling.
This is one of the many successful outcomes that can occur in a well-structured group in conjunction with client-centered counseling.
Contact Beth McHugh for further assistance regarding this issue.
Related articles:
Is Your Support Group Supportive (1)?
Is Your Support Group Supportive (2)?