Modeling Conflict Resolution in Group Psychotherapy

Abstract

In a time-limited therapy group for aggressive men, an episode of conflict between coleaders and its resolution evoked a wealth of useful material for advancing the anger management skills of the group members. The author discusses how the conflict arose from the senior leader's lack of appreciation of the shared leadership, and how the resolution of the conflict resulted in her growing acceptance of the junior leader and, eventually, in their mutual trust and respect. The dual leadership allowed for a shared ability to step back and reflect while the other leader took over and became more active. The coleaders' hard work came to fruition at the group's end. The patients discussed how it was novel to see coleaders being angry with one another and to observe the anger being
expressed and resolved in the group directly. The anger between the coleaders added to the patient experience as well as to the group experience, because the leaders in fact emulated what they discussed. Expressing anger in a direct manner can have a positive effect, and will not necessarily lead to disruption of the leader or group relationship.