Client-centred group therapy for survivors of interpersonal trauma: A pilot investigation

Abstract

Group therapy for trauma survivors provides an opportunity to share experiences with others in a supportive environment. Client-centred groups have received very little attention as a way of working with traumatised people. Such groups promise to promote psychological growth following trauma. In this paper we present pilot data from a client-centred group of six survivors of interpersonal violence who were experiencing complex posttraumatic stress reactions. Results suggested that those who perceived the presence of empathic listening within the group therapy sessions benefited from the group, showing greater positive changes. Clinical implications for working with trauma survivors, methodological considerations and directions for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Posttraumatic stress
• client-centred therapy
• group treatment
• interpersonal trauma

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the participants in the therapy groups, as without their contribution this study would not have been possible.