Group Psychotherapy Preamble

I’m often asked what’s a good preamble for a group, some practitioners just list a big long list of do’s and don’t. This can be helpful to establish rules but it isn’t a good preamble.

Here is an example of one I find quite useful, I believe it comes from the Priory in London originally:

“The purpose of group therapy is to gain insight to ourselves by listening to the sharing of others and observing their behavior. From seeing particular behavior we work to understand the general principles lie behind all disorders.

From observing and confronting the dishonesty, deceptions, distortions, diversions, delusions, evasions, rationalisations, justifications and psychological game playing of other people we learn to be aware of these same characteristics in ourselves.

We recognize that the energy and resources that we used previously in support our addictive behavior can be channeled constructively into developing new perspectives, nurturing healthy activities and creating rewarding relationships.

We see the courage of others attempting to make these changes and we commit ourselves to following their example of honesty, open-mindedness and willingness.”

Published by Dylan Kerr BA ACAT FDAP DipHE MBABCP

Mr Dylan Kerr Addictions Counselor Bachelors in Clinical Counseling (Hons) Advanced Certified Addictions Therapist Member of the British Association for Behaviour and Cognitive Psychotherapist Member of the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Practitioners HeDip Health-care HeDip Psychology of Addiction Dip Counselling Diploma in Arts Therapy Diploma in Transactional Analysis CSAT III Dylan Kerr is a Certified Substance Abuse Therapist who is qualified in Counseling, Psychology of addiction from Leeds University and Healthcare from Birmingham City University. Dylan Kerr has been a senior Therapist at the River Rehab, Lead Therapist at Lanna Rehab in Chiang Mai and Head Counselor of Hope Rehab in Siracha. As well as working in Thailand for 7 years, Dylan has also been the on-tour counsellor for the the Rock band ‘The Libertines’. Dylan is now resident counsellor at an Asian rehab. Dylan has experience of working within the music industry supporting acts in therapeutic needs. As well as working around the world Dylan has over 13 years experience delivering substance use disorder treatment at various agencies around the UK. He is skilled in motivational interviewing, CBT, RET and guidance around 12 step philosophies. Dylan has worked with a broad client base and establish the rapport needed to effect change and sustainable progression. Dylan wishes to start this blog to help educate people on his observations within this field and debate the nature of work in the addictions field. View more posts

3 thoughts on “Group Psychotherapy Preamble”

Here’s a copy of another preamble that is a bit more instruction-like.

This is a guideline to assure you get the most out of attending groups here.
• Process groups are a chance for you to share and reflect on matters concerning you
• Please use “I” statements when you are talking about matters
• Be aware of “cross talk”
• Try not to rescue your peers
• Try not to give advice
• Have respect for each other but do not be afraid to call someone out whom you feel is not telling the truth
• Please do not wear sunglasses or hats within the group as this obscures your face and connection to the room
• Please do not bring telephones into the room, if you have brought yours in please turn it off
• If you feel uncomfortable or triggered, try to remain in the room and discuss with your peers how you are feeling
• Group starts promptly at 9:30am, be on time out of respect for others
• Please visit the bathroom before starting group
• Do not make notes during process group
• What is mentioned in this room, stays in this room

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