Yalom’s 11 "curative Factors" in Group Therapy – Flashcards

when group members help each other

relief from emotional distress through uninhibited expression

the process of learning that one has to take responsibility for one's life & the consequences of one's decisions

members feel a sense of belonging, acceptance & validation

learning factual information from others in the group

developing social skills through modeling, observation, & imitating the therapist & other members

when members are inspired & encouraged by others

members achieve greater self-awareness through interaction & receiving feedback

the group setting provides a safe & supportive environment where members can take risks

members unconsciously identify the group therapist & other members with their own parents & siblings. The therapist's interpretations can help members gain understanding of the impact of childhood experiences on their personality & they can learn to avoid repeating unhelpful past interactive patterns in present day relationships

recognizing shared experiences & feelings among group members & the problems are universal concerns

1. transference to the therapist (parental figure) 2. transference to other group members (siblings) 3. transference to the group itself (mother-womb symbol)