Assessing experiential psychotherapeutic group experience

Abstract: This paper describes a study conducted to measure perceptions of graduate students in an experiential therapeutic support group. It has been suggested that groups consisting of graduate level participant learners are the most difficult groups to facilitate, given the unique challenges (Yalom 1995). Students enrolled in a graduate group course, were required to participate, yet upon completion of the semester-long experience, students were invited to share reflections and recommendations, via researcher-constructed questionnaire. These findings indicated that students benefited by experiencing personal growth and gaining knowledge of group dynamics and facilitation. Group members also provided recommendations concerning group configuration and facilitation.Keywords: experiential; group work; higher education; social work; psychology; groupwork