MAC Group Therapy 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A group member consistently arrives late and disrupts the session. The MOST therapeutically appropriate response from the group leader is to:
- Ignore the behavior to avoid embarrassing the member
- Address the pattern with the group as a boundary and process issue (Correct answer)
- Ask the member to leave until they can commit to punctuality
- Privately warn the member before the next session without group discussion
Correct answer: Address the pattern with the group as a boundary and process issue
Addressing disruptive patterns within the group context models boundary-setting and creates a therapeutic learning opportunity for all members.
Question 2: Which group therapy model focuses specifically on identifying and correcting dysfunctional thinking patterns related to substance use?
- Psychodrama
- Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) (Correct answer)
- Interpersonal Process Group
- Gestalt Group Therapy
Correct answer: Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT)
CBGT targets cognitive distortions and maladaptive beliefs that sustain addictive behavior through structured skill-building exercises.
Question 3: During a group session, two members begin arguing loudly. The group leader should FIRST:
- End the session immediately to prevent escalation
- Allow the conflict to resolve naturally without intervention
- Intervene calmly to de-escalate and redirect the energy therapeutically (Correct answer)
- Remove the more aggressive member from the group
Correct answer: Intervene calmly to de-escalate and redirect the energy therapeutically
The leader's first duty is de-escalation while preserving safety, then using the conflict as a therapeutic opportunity if appropriate.
Question 4: The concept of 'universality' in group therapy, as described by Yalom, refers to:
- The idea that all members must share the same diagnosis
- The healing effect of members realizing their struggles are shared by others (Correct answer)
- A universal treatment protocol applied to all group members
- The group leader's responsibility to treat all members equally
Correct answer: The healing effect of members realizing their struggles are shared by others
Universality is a curative factor wherein members gain relief by recognizing that others share their painful experiences and feelings.
Question 5: A co-facilitation model in addiction group therapy is MOST beneficial because:
- It allows one leader to focus on paperwork while the other runs the group
- It reduces the cost of group therapy programs
- It provides modeling of healthy interpersonal dynamics and shared clinical perspective (Correct answer)
- It ensures one leader can always side with the group against the other leader
Correct answer: It provides modeling of healthy interpersonal dynamics and shared clinical perspective
Co-facilitation models healthy relating, provides two clinical perspectives, and allows one leader to observe group dynamics while the other engages.
Question 6: Which stage of group development, per Tuckman's model, is characterized by conflict, resistance, and power struggles among members?
- Forming
- Storming (Correct answer)
- Norming
- Performing
Correct answer: Storming
The Storming stage involves members testing boundaries, competing for roles, and experiencing interpersonal conflict before cohesion develops.
Question 7: A group member with a trauma history becomes highly distressed when another member shares a story of abuse. The leader should:
- Ask the distressed member to leave until they are ready
- Continue without interruption to respect the sharing member
- Gently acknowledge both members' experiences and assess safety for all (Correct answer)
- Redirect the sharing member to a less triggering topic immediately
Correct answer: Gently acknowledge both members' experiences and assess safety for all
Trauma-informed group leadership requires acknowledging both members' experiences simultaneously while assessing the group's safety and stability.
MAC Group Therapy 2
A group member consistently arrives late and disrupts the session.
The MOST therapeutically appropriate response from the group leader is to: