An Existential Model of Group Therapy for Chronic Mental Conditions

ABSTRACT

A group therapy model for chronic mental patients based on existential principles is described. Focusing on the existential dilemmas of chronically ill patients accesses their inner life and acknowledges their immense strengths in tolerating the illness. These effects can improve the patients' motivation for and compliance with treatment and lower distressing secondary conditions such as shame, hopelessness, and suicidality. The model uses the methods of (a) linking, (b) differentiating the therapy team, and (c) addressing the core issues to counteract the negative processes of derealization, powerlessness and irrelevance that hinder group therapy with these patients. Therapists attempt to highlight divergent perspectives of irresolvable dilemmas, offering patients the opportunity to experience and to communicate the courage, tolerance and love required to carry the burden of chronic mental illness.