65th Annual Conference

Saturday, February 23

Morning Workshops

8:45 A.M.-12:00 Noon

Workshop 81         

Innovations in the Treatment in Severely Mentally Ill Clients in Group Homes: Building Cohesiveness: A Sense of Agency and Reducing Depression with the Group-as-a-Whole Model

Chairs:         

Diana Semmelhack, Psy.D., CGP, Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychology, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Illinois
Clive Hazell, Ph.D., Professor, DeVry University, Chicago, Illinois
 

A discussion and demonstration format will be used to address the utility of the “Group as a Whole” model in the treatment of severely mentally ill populations residing in group homes. The theoretical underpinnings of the model will be highlighted along with modifications to its structure necessary in the treatment of these clients. Results from an ongoing study highlighting a positive change in group home residents’ attitudes will be reviewed.
Sharing of work experiences-didactic-experiential-demonstration
 

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:
1. Understand the theoretical underpinnings of the Group-as-a-Whole model.

2. Identify specific modifications to the model necessary with severely mentally ill populations living in group homes.

3. Understand the utility of the model in facilitating individual's ability to interface with outside groups in the community at large.

4. Understand the potential therapeutic value of the model for building cohesiveness and a sense of self-efficacy, as well as for reducing depression.

Course References:

1. Bion, W.R. (1954). Group dynamics: A review. In M. Klein, P. Heimann & R.e. Money Kyrle (Eds.), New Directions in Psycho-analysis (pp. 440-477). New York: Basic Books.
2. Coleman, A.d., and W.H. Geller, eds. Group Relations Reader 2. Washington, DC: AK Rice nstitute, 1985.
3. Hazell, C. (2005). Imaginary Groups. Bloomington, Indiana, Bloomington: Authorhouse.
4. Jaques, E. (1954). Social systems as defense against persecutory and depressive anxiety. In M. Klein, P. Heimann & R.e. Money Kyrle (Eds.), New Directions in Psycho-analysis (pp. 478- 498). New York: Basic Books.

5. Semmelhack, D. & Hazell, C. (2007) Semmelhack, D., Hazell, C. & Hoffman, W. (2006)--The Impact of Group-as-a-Whole Work on Anxiety and Depression in a Severely Mentally Ill Population (In Press). THE JOURNAL FOR SPECIALISTS IN GROUP WORK--OFFICIAL ICA JOURNAL.