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?

Question

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."

Answer 1

ANS: C
The member's comments demean the group and its members and suggest that the member is very angry. Labeling the emotion and conveying empathy would be therapeutic. Focusing on members who are likely to be more positive can balance the influence of demoralizing members. "You seem to know a lot…" conveys hostility from the leader, who confronts and challenges the member to explain how he came to be readmitted if he was so knowledgeable, implying that he is less knowledgeable than he claims. This comment suggests countertransference and is non-therapeutic. Shifting away from the complaining member to see if others agree seeks to have others express disagreement with this member, but that might not happen. In the face of his anger, they might be quiet or afraid to oppose him, or they could respond in kind by expressing hostility themselves. A rule that only positive exchanges are permitted would suppress conflict, reducing the effectiveness of the therapy group.