Practical Principles for Running Effective Treatment Groups Presented by: Paul Hardy, D.Min.

Program Description: Decades of research, including more than 50 clinical trials,
have shown that group therapy is as effective as individual therapy for many conditions, including depression, obesity, and social anxiety. Demand for group therapy is up, and many new psychologists are being asked to lead groups in hospital and community mental health settings. Yet the ability to run therapy groups is a special skill. In fact, APA’s Commission for the Recognition of Specialties and Proficiencies in Professional Psychology includes group psychology and group psychotherapy as an evidence-based specialty.

This presentation offers training in theory, research, and practice of group
psychotherapy. It delves into the intricacies of group dynamics, therapeutic factors, and leadership/facilitation skills necessary for providing evidence-based, effective group treatment. The curriculum emphasizes a practitioner model, integrating contemporary group processes research with hands-on clinical training. Participants will gain expertise in:

• Evidence-Based Interventions: Gaining skills to apply scientifically supported
group therapy models for various mental health conditions, including anxiety,
depression, substance use, and trauma.

• Group Dynamics and Processes: Understanding the foundational principles of
group development, cohesion, conflict resolution, and the unique therapeutic
factors at play in a group setting.

• Ethical and Legal Standards: Navigating the complex ethical dilemmas and legal
considerations specific to group psychotherapy, with a strong focus on informed
consent and confidentiality.

Learning Objectives: After attending this workshop, participants will be expected to
be able to:

1. List several goals of group treatment.

2. Describe at least 5 benefits from group therapy.

3. Troubleshoot methods to deal with distinct types of participants in groups.

4. Explore group leader roles, methods, and responsibilities in therapy.

About the Presenter: Dr. Hardy is an enthusiastic leader in the field of substance use
counseling, trauma recovery, and relapse prevention. He is an educator at heart, an
experienced keynote speaker, and conference presenter. He earned his D. Min. from
Liberty University in Pastoral Counseling. He completed his internship at the Recovery for Life Treatment Center under the tutelage of Jack Mallery, LPC. He is a champion for those who struggle with compulsive behaviors and traumatic experiences. He is an active Anger Management instructor and presenter with Ecare, Virginia Beach Psychiatric Hospital, and other programs.

He developed the PLACE method published as “Redeeming the Tears” (Lifeway
Publishers) for trauma recovery and is the co-author of “Stop the Madness” (Lifeway
Publishers). He has published numerous books on Amazon including: “Better
Choices” substance abuse issues; “SURVIVAL MANUAL: Tools to Manage Anger and Stress”; “SURVIVAL MANUAL: Tools to Manage Addictive Behaviors”; “Letting Go, Living Free”; and” Waves of Grace/Redeeming the Tears” Grief and Prolonged Grief Disorder.

Disclosures:
• Neither my immediate family nor I have any financial relationship with
commercial entities that may be relevant to this presentation.

• The views expressed in this presentation are my own and do not reflect those of
my employer.

References:

• Keys to Great Group Therapy. Seasoned psychologists offer their expertise on
the art and skill of leading successful group therapy, Amy Novotney, April 2019,
Vol 50, No. 4
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/04/grouptherapy#:~:text=Learn%20more%20
about%20group%20therapy,Group%20Psychol
ogy%20and%20Group%20Psychotherapy).

• Feedback in Group Psychotherapy, Cheri L. Marmarosh. 2018 American
Psychological Association https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2018-25950-001.pdf

•How and Why Are Some Therapists Better Than Others? Understanding
Therapist Effects. Edited by Louis G. Castonguay, PhD, and Clara E. Hill. May
2017 https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4316178

• Attachment in Group Psychotherapy, Cheri Marmarosh, PhD, Rayna Markin,
and Eric B. Spiegel, June 2013 https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4317309

• Group Therapy Topics: Mental Health Educational Activities, Blake Flannery,
updated Aug 15, 2022, Group Therapy Topics: Mental Health Educational
Activities – Hub Pages

• Substance Abuse Treatment: Group Therapy [Internet]. Rockville (MD):
Substance, Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US); 2005.
(Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 41.) 1 Groups and
Substance Abuse Treatment. Available from:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64223/

• Group Therapy for Addiction, Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, Irvin
Yalom
https://www.rehab4addiction.co.uk/addiction-treatment/group-therapy-
addiction 11 Therapeutic Factors of Group Therapy | Rebellious Wellness

APP is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. APP maintains responsibility for this program and its contents. For more information contact apponline.org.