In our newly discovered world of physical distancing, the idea of six to eight people in a confined space might not feel intuitive to the six-foot mission we are still experiencing after the coronavirus pandemic. But the power of a group is exactly what could be a profound healing method for so many in times of intensified fear of life and social isolation.
According to the Ministry of Health and Human Services, psychiatric clinicians were placed in virtual counseling scenarios in March, April and May due to restrictions on accommodation. Although personal one-on-one sessions are likely to become more practical this summer, physical distancing practices and safety precautions are likely to keep group therapy sessions to a minimum.
Virtual group therapy can be essential here.
As a moderator of a small group of men in a private practice in Downers Grove, Illinois, I hesitated that virtual group meetings temporarily replaced our bi-weekly meetings in mid-March. Even if FaceTime and Skype are temporarily classified as HIPAA compliant, we can probably all relate to the technical and natural difficulties that can arise in any virtual session.
Is the WLAN so spotty that the customer's responses are delayed and talk about each other? Is a customer's body language difficult to read on the screen or are they more tense and reluctant to open up? Is data protection an infinite challenge? The task of organizing a successful group session using a virtual platform was certainly a daunting task for me.
Despite my concern, our first group session for quarantined men was one of the best we have had in the nearly two years the group has led. The reason? There was a real need for connection.
Our meetings are organized as an open group, and we have recently welcomed some new members virtually, but due to the culture of camaraderie, it takes the life of a closed group. The men in our group all go through something different, and we cover topics ranging from marriage and parental struggle to loss and relationship dynamics. The demographic composition of the group is different, but because of the support that the boys feel when they share their current life stressors (sometimes at great depth), there is often a feeling of sharing common ground. After we got used to the Brady Bunch setup of the virtual platform, we didn't miss a beat. The synergy that we had developed over time was carried over to the fact that the virtual group environment still feels organic and soothing.
Irvin Yalom has popularized 11 therapeutic principles for high-functioning groups, and these key principles include universality and hope. In these emotionally turbulent times, cohesion in group therapy can take on new meaning due to the screen of uncertainty under which we live. And the need to promote optimism during a global crisis has been catapulted to the fore.
Below is a look at three important ways that virtual group therapy can improve client mental health in unprecedented challenges.
Eliminating Uncertainties: A wave effect of the COVID-19 pandemic was the blow to the economy that made many workers unemployed, vacationed, or suffered significant wage cuts. This is where the power of catharsis comes into play.
During our group's spring meetings, a common theme that the boys shared, how confused they were about the uncertainty of everything, was particularly economical. When many group members asked for feedback, they said that it was helpful to simply express these feelings and connect with others in general.
Checking in for self-sufficiency: Quarantine drastically complicates the goal of maintaining adequate self-sufficiency. The World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed an increase in depression due to changes in routines and livelihoods.
Of course, the usual self-care practices for many men (going to the gym, drinking beer in a bar, doing contact-oriented sports) quickly fell out of the picture as the pandemic escalated. This has made our group members become more innovative and imaginative.
One of our boys was training from home. Another called a new friend every day. Another started a Star Wars marathon. Another started virtual guitar lessons. Another started baking for the first time (indeed desperate times!). Here the altruism of the group becomes an emotional springboard. Sharing their strengths and creative ideas gave each member a boost in self-esteem.
Establish urgently needed positive connection . The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended contacting others during quarantine and "speaking to people you trust". Taking part in a happy hour with colleagues about Zoom or hosting informal college meetings through Facebook Messenger can undoubtedly bring a big boost in morale.
The difference between these types of meetups and a therapeutic group lies in the existing layers of emotionality. Raw feelings of "I miss my children" or "Nothing I do is ever enough for my wife" take on a different tone in a group that encourages emotional processing with another round of drinks.
An important element to consider is the idea of connection through social media and how excessive consumption of this medium can actually affect well-being. This is especially true for the inclusion of news items that often contain negative headlines. The WHO recommends limiting news consumption and recording at least one positive story every day. To appreciate this guide, you should begin or end virtual group meetings by letting each group member tell a positive story.
Every class I took for my online master’s degree at the Family Institute at Northwestern University was through a virtual platform. In many ways, I was trained in a digital arena, creating case conceptualization and role-playing in zoom breakout rooms. One of my biggest lessons from this experience was how close I actually got to my classmates. We may have met in person before graduation, but there was a strong bond that was encouraged by the intimacy of a computer screen.
I now feel a similar feeling of unity in virtual advisory groups. In a time when physical touches are less abundant, togetherness has never been so important for all of us.
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Scott Gleeson is a licensed professional advisor to DG Consulting in Downers Grove, Illinois and Chicago. Contact him at [email protected].
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