Let's Skip the Small Talk

This is not normal.

During this week long intensive that I am doing on group therapy in Virginia, we are supposed to be learning what it is like to go through the counseling process.

I've never been on the other side so this is definately an eye opening experience. Most of us are fighting the 'counselors' inside of us when we are in a group setting. We each get only one chance to be the facilitator.

This means that we must be a group member for nine hours of the time.

I am fighting the conflict in me that wants to be the counselor in a group setting. Whenever we are tempted to 'co-facilitate,' we have to go back and focus on ourselves. It is completely going against the grain of a counselors natural leadership framework.

We are also told that our group will know that we are making progress when we experience conflict and resistance. My professor said that in regards to group therapy, you are only as deep as your most shallow member. She also said that groups function as families. How you react in your group is most likely how you will react outside of group.

So profound.

We are supposed to trust the group process and not deny the inevitable conflict.

I've never realized how difficult and painful it can be to be on the other side. We are pushed to be vulnerable and go deeper. Be completely honest no matter what. You have to have complete trust in the leader. Group work skips the small talk and goes straight to the heart of the issues.

Which is exhausting.

But I am learning so much.