Group Support

References

• Applicable to group and individual work is the observation by Bandura that modelling is of importance: ‘Individuals did not need to be reinforced directly for performing a behavior, in order for that behavior to increase in probability’ (Milkman and Sunderwirth 2010: 312). This is from Bandura’s classic work (1969) Principles of Behavior Modification. It is sufficient to observe another person modelling behaviour for it to be reinforced. Learning occurs ‘through the observation of other people’s behaviour and seeing the consequences of such behaviour’ (Milkman and Sunderwirth 2010: 312). Modelling between group members is a clear process in a therapeutic recovery group. This principle has been observed many times in the treatment programmes of our clinic. One person might say, at the beginning of a session, how helpful he finds the sessions and how much he likes coming to the group. Immediately, this sets up an atmosphere of well-being in the group. This then, by modelling, sets up a positive expectation. Another person might talk about a strategy of success that has been used to overcome his addiction. Others will observe this comment and incorporate it into their own plans for sexual recovery. While this can be done in the therapist–patient dyad, it is, we believe, more effective and more comprehensive in group work. Not only are group members on an equal par, they all come with the same problem. Successful strategies are mirrored and multiplied by the sheer numbers of potential models available in the group process. Birchard, Thaddeus. CBT for Compulsive Sexual Behaviour (p. 56). Taylor and Francis. Kindle Edition.
  • This has applications for both group support and also the forum.