Psychotherapy Process Group

Psychotherapy Process Group in the Aris Clinic Intensive Outpatient Program

This daily therapeutic group is based on the core group psychotherapy practices of Irvin Yalom, MD and encourages open interactions among group members. During psychotherapy process group, members are encouraged to share feelings, thoughts, and body sensations, as well as explore relationships with other group members. Group leaders help facilitate healthy social skills, as well as allowing for problem-solving, support, and synthesizing core flexibility skills.

The Psychotherapy Process Group serves as a valuable and transformative therapeutic space. This group plays a crucial role in helping individuals improve their interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.

Psychotherapy Process Group Objectives

Most of the patients admitted to Aris Clinic IOP have remarkable difficulties establishing and maintaining close, mutually gratifying, and meaningful relationships with friends, school mates, partners, and family members. In the service of addressing these pervasive and often debilitating relational problems, the IOP process group gives patients an opportunity to:

Offer and receive support and constructive feedback from peers.
Enhance interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
Experiment with new ways of relating to others.
Foster honest and direct expression of feelings.
Develop self-insight by examining relationship patterns.
Gain empathy and understanding of others’ experiences.
Boost self-confidence, self-image and self-esteem.
Facilitate personal growth within the group, with the intention of applying learning outside the group setting.

The Psychotherapy Process Group provides a rich and multi-dimensional therapeutic experience. By combining the principles of core group psychotherapy with flexibility skills and a focus on interpersonal dynamics, the group creates a space for self-exploration, personal growth, and the development of crucial social and emotional skills. Participants are empowered to engage authentically, build meaningful connections, and enhance their overall well-being.

Therapeutic Groups

How Psychotherapy Process Group Operates

Foundation in Core Group Psychotherapy Practices: The Psychotherapy Process Group is rooted in the principles and practices developed by Irvin Yalom, a renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist. Yalom’s approach to group therapy emphasizes the power of interpersonal interactions and the therapeutic value of sharing and relating within a group setting.
Safe Sharing and Learning Environment: The Process Group provides a safe and confidential setting where patients can openly share their thoughts, experiences and emotions. This fosters a sense of belonging and validation, allowing participants to explore their own experiences and symptoms without judgment.
Exploration of Relationships: Group members have the opportunity to explore their relationships with one another. This can include discussing how they perceive and interact with other group members, which often mirrors real-life dynamics and provides rich material for exploration and growth.
Facilitation of Healthy Social Skills: Group leaders play a pivotal role in facilitating healthy and constructive social interactions. They may provide guidance on effective communication, active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution, enhancing members’ interpersonal skills.
Problem-Solving and Support: The group environment allows members to share challenges they’re facing and receive feedback, suggestions, and support from both peers and group leaders. This collaborative problem-solving approach can help individuals gain new perspectives and strategies for managing difficulties.
Addressing Pervasive Relational Problems: The group is especially relevant for individuals who struggle with establishing and maintaining meaningful relationships. Through discussions, feedback, and experiential exercises, participants address these challenges and work toward healthier interpersonal connections.
Synthesis of Flexibility Skills: In addition to the interpersonal dynamics, the Psychotherapy Process Group also integrates and synthesizes core flexibility skills from ACT and other therapeutic approaches. This allows participants to apply their coping skills and psychological flexibility techniques within the context of group interactions and relationships.
Encouragement of Synthesis: Group leaders guide participants in applying the flexibility skills they’ve learned in other aspects of their treatment within the group setting. This process encourages the integration of these skills into real-life situations and interactions.

1 in 5 children ages 13-18 in the U.S. need mental health services; only 20% are likely to receive professional help

Source: National Institute of Mental Health