Coming together to talk: the development of group communication and cohesion for psychotic clients

摘要

In this paper, I describe the beginnings of a small therapy group for members of a therapeutic community in Belfast, Northern Ireland. From the inception as an idea in the facilitators' minds to the actual gathering of individuals with psychotic illness, I describe the vital elements in developing group cohesion and ensuring longevity, as well as highlighting the developmental stages for which the group learned to communicate. I also demonstrate some of the challenges working with psychoses in groups including how resistance in the staff team and community can affect group implementation and co-facilitation.