Experiential Group Psychotherapy Training with Undergraduate Students in Spain

ABSTRACT

This paper describes a single case study design examining the experiences of 14 undergraduate psychology students in Spain who participated in a group psychology course with an analytic, experiential group training component. Our goal was to better understand trainees’ experiences as participants in the groups and gather their perceptions on the main mechanisms of learning that occur. Qualitative data came from participants’ personal reflective journals, and thematic analysis was used to code these data. Quantitative data came from participants’ pre-post scores on a therapeutic factors inventory (Yalom’s therapeutic factors). Test scores suggest that altruism, universality, cohesion, increased among participants, from pre- to posttest. In addition, qualitative analysis revealed that the group process followed an expected progression (e.g., hesitant and superficial, to deep and emotionally charged interventions, to themes surrounding closure and integration). We review learning mechanisms identified by participants, such as practice in the observer role and the use of silences in the group. Finally, we review the usefulness of an experiential approach in helping undergraduate students learn about group process, develop interpersonal skills, experience personal growth, and acquire group facilitation skills. Study limitations are also discussed.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ainara Arnoso

Ainara Arnoso is an Associate Professor in Group Psychology and Director of the Master’s in Psychology of Organizations and Psychosocial Intervention at the University of Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain and a Board Member of the Spanish Association of Group Psychotherapy and Techniques (SEPTG), Spain.

Angela Gonzalo is a Postgraduate in Legal Protection of Vulnerable People and Groups at University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.

Angela Gonzalo

Ainara Arnoso is an Associate Professor in Group Psychology and Director of the Master’s in Psychology of Organizations and Psychosocial Intervention at the University of Basque Country, San Sebastian, Spain and a Board Member of the Spanish Association of Group Psychotherapy and Techniques (SEPTG), Spain.

Angela Gonzalo is a Postgraduate in Legal Protection of Vulnerable People and Groups at University of Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain.