Discussion- Support Group
On 20th July 23, 2023, I attended a Rivia Mind dialectical behavioral group therapy held at 2125 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. I choose this particular meeting because it offers those who have intense emotional experiences evidence-based group psychotherapy. To enter the group individuals are advised to please contact the organization at info@riviamind.com or by telephone: (212) 203-1773 (Rivia Mind, 2023). The criteria for entering the group involve committing first to two sessions, buying a specific book, and attending all the sessions for 16 weeks. The group consists of approximately eight people of age range 18 to 65. Members are both males and females coming from different ethnicities including African Americans, Mexicans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans. The group’s major goal is to assist participants in accepting the realities of their daily experiences and behaviors while also teaching them to modify unhelpful coping mechanisms for handling unpleasant feelings and bothersome symptoms like self-harm.
I had a satisfying experience with group counseling that was also interesting, difficult, and shocking. I had no prior exposure to or participation in any kind of group therapy before enrolling in this program. In numerous ways, the group took care of the requirements of the patients. Additionally, it assisted in lowering arousal levels with specific, frequently basic strategies and assisted people in regulating their emotions so they could verbalize their sentiments. These improvements to interpersonal and professional relationships as well as peoples’ general quality of life were all made possible. Instilling optimism and universality were two therapeutic variables that were noted (Sim & Waterfield, 2019). By drawing attention to its members’ advancement, the group improved this. It contributed to keeping the clients’ faith in the therapeutic approach. Clients couldn’t feel special or different due to universality. Members were able to identify similarities as they shared, and they came to understand that other people go through similar things.
The group process of Rivia Mind was effective in ensuring critical aspects are discussed. The group was facilitated by a group counselor. The group counselor served as the group leader and promoted engagement among the participants. He also encouraged the participants in setting personal goals and provided ongoing assistance as well as compassion. Additionally, he looked to see if the group’s lessons had been applied outside of the group by the participants. There were several established social conventions. Members were expected to treat one another with respect and dignity and to value one another’s opinions. Transparency was also necessary to avoid having any hidden objectives (Brown & Pehrson, 2019). Members were required to trust one another, have faith that any details communicated will be protected and kept confidential, and be open and truthful with each other regarding their ideas, challenges, and feelings.
I felt educated and enriched after participating in group therapy at Rivia Mind. The group was beneficial to everyone who need treatment of any kind because it was engaging and allowed everyone to speak freely. Additionally, it created a support system because people were able to confide in those who had been in similar situations. I was able to evaluate issues from a fresh perspective while still learning how they are enabled and put into effect thanks to my ongoing and varied exposure to them. I believed that the group helped facilitate healing as it placed me in a community of peers going through comparable difficulties. As a result, I would recommend this organization to my future clients.
References
Brown, R., & Pehrson, S. (2019). Group processes: Dynamics within and between groups. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Rivia Mind. (2023). Dialectical Behavior Therapy – RIVIA Medical, PLLC. https://www.riviamind.com/services-specialties/psychotherapy/dialectical-behavior-therapy/
Sim, J., & Waterfield, J. (2019). Focus group methodology: some ethical challenges. Quality & quantity, 53(6), 3003-3022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11135-019-00914-5
