Select two clients you observed or counseled this week during a group therapy session for children and adolescents. Note: The two clients you select must have attended the same group session. If you select the same group you selected for the Week 8 or Week 9 Journal Entries, you must select different clients. Then, address in your Practicum Journal the following:
In this week’s group therapy session for children and adolescents, I had the opportunity to observe and counsel two clients who attended the same group session. The clients I will be discussing in this journal entry are client A and client B. Both clients are teenage girls, aged 15, and have been attending the group therapy sessions for the past two months.
Client A is a quiet and introverted individual who tends to keep to herself during the group sessions. She rarely initiates conversation and prefers to listen to others rather than actively participate. Client A has experienced symptoms of anxiety and depression, which have affected her social interactions and overall well-being. During this week’s session, she appeared withdrawn and sat in the corner of the room, avoiding eye contact with others. When given the opportunity to share her thoughts and experiences, she would hesitate and struggle to find the right words. However, when she did speak up, her contribution was valuable and thought-provoking.
On the other hand, client B is an outgoing and energetic individual who actively engages with others in the group. She is often the one initiating conversations and expressing her thoughts and feelings without hesitation. Client B has been diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and exhibits behaviors such as arguing, defiance, and anger outbursts. During the session, client B was highly talkative and demonstrated a desire to be the center of attention. While her extroverted nature allowed her to express herself freely, it sometimes overshadowed the needs and perspectives of other group members.
One of the therapeutic techniques that were utilized to address the needs of both clients was cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to distressing emotions and maladaptive functioning. For client A, CBT helped her explore and challenge her own negative self-perceptions and beliefs that were perpetuating her anxiety and depression. By introducing cognitive restructuring exercises, she was able to reframe her thoughts and develop more adaptive coping strategies.
For client B, CBT was used to address her oppositional and defiant behaviors. Through the identification of negative thought patterns that fueled her disruptive behaviors, she gained insight into the underlying emotions and motivations driving her actions. With the aid of behavioral techniques such as setting goals and using positive reinforcement, client B began to identify alternative ways of expressing herself and managing her emotions more effectively.
In addition to CBT, another therapeutic approach utilized in the group sessions was art therapy. Art therapy provides an alternative means of expression for individuals who may struggle with verbal communication or have difficulty articulating their thoughts and emotions. Both clients were encouraged to engage in art activities during the group sessions, which allowed them to explore and communicate their inner experiences in a nonverbal and creative manner.
For client A, art therapy provided a safe and supportive space to express herself without the pressure of verbal communication. Through the use of art materials, she was able to externalize her thoughts and feelings that were difficult to put into words. This creative process allowed her to gain insight into her own inner world and facilitated discussions around her artwork with the therapist and other group members.
For client B, art therapy served as a medium for emotional regulation and expression. Engaging in art activities helped her channel her intense emotions and redirect her energy in a constructive way. By creating artwork that symbolized her feelings of anger or frustration, she was able to explore these emotions in a controlled environment and gain a better understanding of their underlying causes.
Overall, the group therapy session for children and adolescents proved to be beneficial for both client A and client B. The integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy and art therapy provided a comprehensive approach to address their individual needs and facilitate their therapeutic progress. As the therapist, it is important to continue assessing and adapting the therapeutic interventions to ensure the best possible outcomes for these clients.