A Group Therapist with Parkinson’s Disease Facilitating Parkinson’s-Related Support Groups: Reflections and Practical Strategies

ABSTRACT

This report describes the experience of a therapist living with Parkinson’s disease who conducts two types of support groups within the Parkinson’s community: a long-term patient support group and a care-partner support group. The psychosocial dynamics and therapeutic factors of the two groups are compared and contrasted, including how the therapist-member relationship differs in the two groups. Countertransference issues and how to handle these therapeutically are also described.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Leon Paparella, M.S.W., CGP

Washington School of Psychiatry,

Washington, D.C., USA

Email: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Leon R. Paparella

Leon R. Paparella is a faculty member of the Washington School of Psychiatry, a support group specialist for the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area and in private practice.