Conflicts in Group Counselling

Thanks to the improved recognition of group therapy by practitioners employed in mental health services, many communities and health clinics have started to adopt the use and practice of this form of therapy alongside their medical regimen. Although group therapy holds great potential to be of important advantage to participants, it can also possibly create complications that are absent in individual psychotherapy. One of the most significant potential issues in group therapy is conflict between the group members themselves. However, with the presence of a well-trained and caring mental health counselor, such conflicts can often be quelled through mediated dialogue and a unique set of guidelines that outline conduct. When conflicts do arise, however, group leaders are ofttimes able to assist group members settle their issues, potentially leading to great insights.

As many group therapy meetings revolve around shared experiences or traits, such as a traumatic event, certain types of habits, health issue, or profession, personal perspectives about elements within discussions can often be very strong and contentious, resulting in the increased possibility of potential conflicts. In some instances these problems of possible conflict can be identified and stopped before they begin by the leading counselor, however in some other scenarios, the professional might opt to allow these areas of conflict to be aired in a bid to create room for a discussion on the individual variation in ideas. By doing this, a therapist is able to provide an opportunity for group members to observe things from another person’s perspective, thereby allowing them to heal better and appreciate their issues in the future.

Group therapy members may be adverse to experiencing arguments, as their memories of differences of opinion can usually be decidedly negative. Yet going through such conflicts within the safe, non-judgmental, and confidential environment of mental health care can provide a new and highly beneficial way of appreciating conflict, helping to uncover personal concerns. People thus come to increase their knowledge from being involved in such activity that conflict is not entirely negative, but instead can actually cause the development of positive thoughts and a new and enhanced outlook.

The contents found in this article is not intended to replace medical advice. Please consult a health professional in relation to any direct concerns or conditions you may have.

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