A group is in the working phase. One member states, "That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. Everyone whines and tells everyone else what to do. This group is a waste of my time." Which initial action by the group leader would be most therapeutic?

A) Advise the member that hostility is inappropriate. Remove the member if it continues.
B) Keep the group's focus on this member so the person can express the anger.
C) Meet privately with the member outside of group to discuss the anger.
D) Change to a more positive topic of discussion in this group session.

Question

Pryshu Plays · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  Meeting privately with the member can convey interest and help defuse the anger so that it is less disruptive to the group. Removing the member would be a last resort and used only when the behavior is intolerably disruptive to the group process and all other interventions have failed. Decreasing the focus on the hostile member and focusing more on positive members can help soften the anger. Angry members often hide considerable vulnerability by using anger to keep others at a distance and intimidated. Changing the subject fails to respond to the behavior.

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