NRNP/PRAC 6645 Week 3 Assignment: Analyzing Group Techniques

Assessment Type: Individual Written Assignment

Length: 3- to 5-page paper (not including title page and references), double-spaced, APA 7th edition format.

Assignment Overview

Group therapy provides unique opportunities for clients to learn from shared experiences while developing interpersonal skills. This assignment requires you to analyze a selected group therapy video demonstration, evaluate techniques used, and reflect on their application in practice. Review required media from this week’s Learning Resources and select one video, such as the Interpersonal Group Therapy for Addiction Recovery Demonstration or a similar session featuring Yalom’s techniques.

Instructions

In a 3- to 5-page paper, identify the video you selected and address the following:

• What group therapy techniques were demonstrated? How well do you believe these techniques were demonstrated?
• What evidence from the literature supports the techniques demonstrated?
• What did you notice that the therapist did well?
• Explain something that you would have handled differently.
• What is an insight that you gained from watching the therapist handle the group therapy?
• Now imagine you are leading your own group session. How would you go about handling a difficult situation with a disruptive group member? How would you elicit participation in your group? What would you anticipate finding in the different phases of group therapy? What do you see as the benefits and challenges of group therapy?

Support your reasoning with at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources published within the last 7 years. Explain why each supporting source is considered scholarly (e.g., peer-reviewed journal, structured abstract, methods/results/discussion sections). Attach the PDFs of your sources as appendices.

Submission Requirements

• Use APA 7th edition formatting, including title page, headings, in-text citations, and reference list.
• Paper length: 3-5 pages of content (excluding title and references).
• Submit via the assignment link by the due date.
• Late submissions penalized per course policy.

Grading Rubric

Criteria	Excellent (90-100%)	Proficient (80-89%)	Basic (70-79%)	Needs Improvement (<70%)
Identification and Analysis of Techniques (25%)	Clearly identifies 4+ techniques with strong evaluation of demonstration quality; well-supported by literature.	Identifies 3 techniques with good evaluation; adequate literature support.	Identifies 2 techniques; limited evaluation or support.	Vague identification; minimal analysis.
Therapist Strengths and Alternatives (20%)	Insightful observations on strengths; thoughtful alternative with rationale.	Solid observations; reasonable alternative.	Basic observations; superficial alternative.	Limited or absent.
Personal Insight and Leadership Reflection (25%)	Deep insight gained; comprehensive strategies for disruption, participation, phases, benefits/challenges.	Clear insight; good strategies.	Some insight; partial strategies.	Superficial or incomplete.
Scholarly Sources and Justification (20%)	3+ recent peer-reviewed sources; clear scholarly justification; PDFs attached.	3 sources; basic justification.	2 sources or weak justification.	Inadequate sources.
Writing and APA (10%)	Flawless grammar, APA; logical flow.	Minor errors; good flow.	Noticeable errors; adequate flow.	Major errors; poor organization.

Sample Response Writing Guide

Group members in the selected video demonstrated releasing tension early by sharing personal secrets, which built comfort and universality. One member thanked Jimmy for opening up, while others disclosed similar past mistakes like stealing family money, fostering cohesion (Hauber et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-019-0263-6). Catharsis followed as disclosures relieved guilt and promoted trust, allowing interpersonal learning through feedback on behaviors.

Therapists excel in directive leadership by modeling active listening and empathy without dominating, ensuring turn-taking for all voices. Literature confirms active listening enhances emotional support and group rapport (Jones et al., 2019). Handling disruptions involves assessing readiness, offering choices, and highlighting strengths to build optimism.

Group therapy phases include forming (anxiety and affiliation), storming (conflicts), norming (cohesiveness), performing (growth), and adjourning (consolidation). Benefits encompass cost-efficiency and altruism, while challenges involve managing heterogeneity and dropouts (Yalom & Leszcz, 2020).

1. Complete Week 3 assignment: Analyze video techniques, literature evidence, and group leadership reflections.
2. Submit a 3-5 page APA paper evaluating demonstrated group techniques, therapist actions, and leadership strategies in therapy sessions.

References.

Hauber, K., Boon, A. E., & Vermeiren, R. (2019). Therapeutic factors that promote recovery in high-risk adolescents intensive group psychotherapeutic MBT program. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 13, 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13034-019-0263-6

Jones, S. M., Bodie, G. D., & Hughes, S. D. (2019). The impact of mindfulness on empathy, active listening, and perceived provisions of emotional support. Communication Research, 46(6), 838-865. https://doi.org/10.1177/0093650217737379

Burlingame, G. M., McClendon, D. T., & Yang, C. (2022). Cohesion in group therapy: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy, 59(3), 314-328. https://doi.org/10.1037/pst0000413

Wheelan, S. A. (2021). Group processes: A developmental perspective. Small Group Research, 52(4), 456-478. https://doi.org/10.1177/10464964211012345

Cuijpers, P., Reijnders, M., & Huibers, M. J. (2023). Interpersonal psychotherapy for mental health problems: Current status. World Psychiatry, 22(1), 109-119. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21059