Et observatørsystem for gruppepsykoterapi i psykiatriske institusjoner

Abstract

Karterud S, Ebbesen J, Irion T. Et observatørsystem for gruppepsykoterapi i psykiatriske institusjoner.

The relationship between group therapists and other staff is a major problem for group psychotherapy in psychiatric institutions. A common solution to these problems in Norway has been to let as many as 3-5 staff members act as group therapists, but this practice violates crucial ideals of group psychotherapy. Psychiatric department B at Ullevål Hospital, Oslo, has practised an alternative system with silent observers for 3 1/2 years with good results. This observational system fosters good solutions with respect to leadership, sharing of information, absence of therapists, role training, training of observational skills, education, research and supervision. Silent observers may enhance the anxiety and insecurity in the group, but properly dealt with through information, exchange openness, respect and psychotherapeutic interventions, this surplus anxiety can be reduced to a minimum.

Key Words:

• Inpatient group psychotherapy
• Silent observers