Group Therapy Companionship Analysis

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The communication during group therapy session was narrowed down to the second type of support, companionship, between staff and patients in group therapy sessions. Companionship embodies the part of addiction group therapy treatment that provides the presence of companionst. During an observation in the TX3 group, I noticed that everyone would thank the person after that person shares their truth. I later asked Bonnie, “why did that become a thing?” She slowly and surely answered, “it lets the person know that what they’re saying is acknowledge and supported. It gives them a sense of belonging, like they’re a part of something.” This example of social support reflects the companionship between both staff and patient, and patient to …show more content…
We discussed the usefulness of addiction therapy treatment, and in what way TP has been helpful in his recovery. As we sat in front of Starbucks, the light of the sun setting reflected off his glasses obscuring his eyes and prevented me from reading his expression. He thought about it for a minute and then expressed his sentiment, “the group therapy. The comradery among the clients are extremely helpful. There has been points where I wanted to leave, but my attachment to the guys that kept me there.” Support is emphasized through the strength in the “bond” he built and the sense of “comradery” he has with other patients during his time at the treatment center. Here, support in the form of companionship from other patients has assisted with aiding him through his progress in addiction …show more content…
Informational support is generally communicated between staff and patients, however in some cases, it also occurs between patient to patient. Support use that reflects the therapist in treating patients at TP by focusing on communicative language that offers guidance, advice and suggestions to assist the patient progress in their recovery. This section will also focus on how patients communicate informational support to other patients during group therapy. During an interview I conducted with the CD, we discussed in general what her thoughts are on the goals of group therapy. She shared with me that every human being craves for health, whether mental, physical, or freedom from substance abuse. She continued her statement with, “the goal of therapy is to open enough doors to get access to that healthy core, and from there provide the appropriate guidance and support to the patient.” Here, the CD communicate her support by providing “appropriate guidance” to encourage self-disclosure, which correlates to the use of informational support. Also, the functions of support are utilized in this instance to access the mental and emotional health of the