Nursing Component Task
Nursing procedures & clinical learning

Registered Mental Health Nursing (RMN)

FACILITATING GROUP THERAPY SESSION

This is a form of psychotherapy in which a number of patients come together for discussion session to assist them improve their behavoiur and wellbeing by sharing their experiences and adopting appropriate behavoiur patterns. Group therapy is usually carried out under the guidance of a nurse/therapist. NB: Group therapy sessions should not be more than one (1) hour

Purpose

  • 1. Assessment of patient
  • 2. Improve communication skills both interpersonal and external
  • 3. Build patient’s confidence and self esteem
  • 4. Promote socialization/social skills
  • 5. Enable patient practice and learn new positive skills and behaviours
  • 6. Promote recovery

Equipment

  • Chairs (depending on number of participants)
  • Table
  • Pen and notepad
  • Serene environment
  • Assisting nurse(s)
  • Patient’s folder (Electronic/Manual)

Procedure steps

  • Advance Preparation
  • Prepare list of participants
  • Prepare participants, venue, give time and date
  • Identify a topic for discussion
  • Ensure participants have taken their medication, meals and are well groomed
  • Welcome and receive participants to the session
  • Sit participants according to their desired pattern (circular/horse shoe)
  • Establish rapport (refer procedure) and explain the procedure to the participants
  • Ask participants to introduce themselves
  • Identify a secretary for the session(assisting nurse)
  • Discuss with participants the goals of the session
  • Explain to participants the ground rules of the session
  • Initiate and direct discussion
  • Observe and involve all participants in the discussion
  • Recognize and identify conflicts and help participants to resolve them if applicable
  • Review the session highlighting achievements of goals for the session
  • Encourage participants to ask questions and answer appropriately
  • Summarize with the participants what has been discussed for the day
  • Set date, time and venue for the next session
  • Express appreciation to participants and direct them to the next activity
  • Close the session and arrange for departure of participants
  • Document the procedure and any observation made in nurses’ notes/Patient’s folder

References and further reading

Educational resource only. Follow current Nursing and Midwifery Council guidance, local institutional protocols, scope of practice, and clinical supervision.

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