Question

A group is in the working phase. One member says, That is the stupidest thing Ive ever heard. Everyone whines and tells everyone else what to do. This group is a total waste of my time. Which comment by the group leader would be most therapeutic?

Answer 1

Answer: C

A group is in the working phase. One member says, “That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. Everyone whines and tells everyone else what to do. This group is a total waste of my time.” Which comment by the group leader would be most therapeutic?

a.“You seem to think you know a lot already. Since you know so much, perhaps you can tell everyone why you are back in the hospital?”

b.“I think you have made your views clear, but I wonder if others feel the same way. How does everyone else feel about our group?”

c.“It must be hard to be so angry.” Direct this comment to another group member, “You were also angry at first but not now. What has helped you?”

d.“I would like to remind you that one of our group rules is that everyone is to offer only positive responses to the comments of others.”

Explanation:

It is clear that the member is angry but the statement degrades the purpose of the group. Saying the member seems to know a lot, directs the member’s anger back at him/her and is not helpful or therapeutic. Asking how the other members feel about the group may not elicit the positive response the leader expects. Also, quoting a rule will only stifle discussions in the group.

By recognizing the member’s anger for what it is and asking a member who has had the same experience, the conversation can move from the negativity of the comment and be beneficial to not only the angry member but all the group members.