CBIS Group Dynamics and Facilitation 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which therapeutic factor described by Yalom is MOST relevant when a TBI survivor realizes others share similar struggles?
- Altruism
- Universality (Correct answer)
- Catharsis
- Existential factors
Correct answer: Universality
Universality is the therapeutic recognition that one's experiences and suffering are shared by others in the group.
Question 2: A facilitator notices a group member with TBI is consistently silent. The most therapeutic approach is to:
- Call on them without warning to encourage participation
- Observe their nonverbal cues and create low-pressure openings for contribution (Correct answer)
- Report them as non-compliant to the treatment team
- Ask other members why they think the person is not participating
Correct answer: Observe their nonverbal cues and create low-pressure openings for contribution
Observing nonverbal engagement and offering optional entry points respects individual processing differences common in TBI.
Question 3: In a TBI rehabilitation group, 'cohesion' refers to:
- The facilitator's ability to control group discussion
- The sense of belonging, trust, and mutual commitment among group members (Correct answer)
- Agreement on discharge dates among members
- Uniformity of cognitive deficits across group participants
Correct answer: The sense of belonging, trust, and mutual commitment among group members
Group cohesion is the bond of trust and belonging that enables members to take therapeutic risks together.
Question 4: Which type of group is BEST suited for TBI survivors who need to practice community re-entry skills in a safe setting?
- Psychoeducation group
- Skills training group (Correct answer)
- Process-oriented therapy group
- Grief and loss support group
Correct answer: Skills training group
Skills training groups focus on practicing specific functional behaviors, making them ideal for community re-entry preparation.
Question 5: A TBI survivor in a group setting becomes emotionally dysregulated after a difficult topic arises. The facilitator should:
- Continue the discussion to avoid reinforcing avoidance
- Use a de-escalation technique and offer a brief sensory break if needed (Correct answer)
- Ask the group to vote on whether to continue the topic
- Dismiss the emotional reaction as manipulation
Correct answer: Use a de-escalation technique and offer a brief sensory break if needed
De-escalation and sensory regulation strategies address emotional dysregulation common after TBI without shutting down therapeutic dialogue.
Question 6: What role does 'altruism' play as a therapeutic factor in TBI support groups?
- Members donate money to group expenses
- Members gain self-esteem by offering help and support to others (Correct answer)
- Facilitators work without compensation
- Members defer all decisions to those with milder injuries
Correct answer: Members gain self-esteem by offering help and support to others
Altruism as a therapeutic factor boosts self-worth when members discover they can meaningfully contribute to others' recovery.
Question 7: Which communication strategy best supports TBI survivors with word-retrieval difficulties during group discussions?
- Finishing their sentences quickly to maintain group pace
- Allowing adequate response time and accepting alternate communication forms (Correct answer)
- Redirecting to other members when retrieval takes more than 5 seconds
- Keeping the person on a scripted question list only
Correct answer: Allowing adequate response time and accepting alternate communication forms
Extended wait time and flexible communication modalities reduce frustration and support authentic participation for those with word-finding deficits.
CBIS Group Dynamics and Facilitation 3
Which therapeutic factor described by Yalom is MOST relevant when a TBI survivor realizes others share similar struggles?