Two Challenges of Using CBT in Group Settings

Two Challenges of Using CBT in Group Settings

Research has shown that CBT is an effective psychotherapeutic treatment in group, individual, and family therapy. However, there can be some challenges when using CBT in these situations. In a group situation, it is important for the therapist to keep in mind that each member may come from different cultural, economic, and social backgrounds, and their core beliefs may be influenced by this. For instance, Chinese people do not subscribe to the idea of “hopelessness”, but they do recognize “helplessness”. The therapist would need to adjust their approach to this concept when addressing counterproductive thinking among group members (Straus, 2021). Other challenges include the inability to meet individual needs, less individual focus, breach of confidentiality, and possible conflict between members. When people who have the same issue are in a group situation, there is also the potential for it to be counter-productive, as it can normalize symptoms from the member’s perspective. Instead of sharing ideas for positive solutions, they may share ideas for further negative techniques or habits (PsychExamReview, n.d.)