"It was surprising to me that I would always gain some type of small insight even though I didn't always feel very comfortable participating. The other group members made it easier for me after a while and I started to feel safe."
–Client in BSE Groups
Knowing that my clients needed their individual sessions to talk about current life dilemmas and to secure the relationship between us, I wondered how to teach them the skills needed to deal with traumatic histories. It occurred to me that groups might be the answer. I had led programs at Kripalu Center for many years and knew the value of experiential learning.
The solution became time limited groups that taught the skills I often didn't have time to teach during individual sessions. Presenting the material in a 1 hour group rather than a weekend workshop also seemed important. The material needed to be titrated so it wouldn't be overwhelming and yet give people an opportunity to practice the skills in a safe enough environment. Although these skills are often most easily taught in a group format, they can be used in individual therapy.