Open-enrollment groups allow individual members to join and leave, and as a result, typically include members at various stages of improvement, which provides models for new clients to follow. Closed-enrollment groups feature clients who all start and finish therapy together. Stability of membership is greater, which can enhance cohesiveness.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Social microcosm refers to the phenomenon whereby a client in group therapy displays relationship tendencies with fellow group members that resemble that client’s relationship tendencies in their personal lives. By recognizing and improving on these tendencies, relationships inside and ultimately outside the group can be enhanced. To the extent that flawed relationships contributed to the client’s reason for seeking therapy, improvements in those relationships will consequently improve the client’s individual symptoms.