ABSTRACT
Cognitive experiential group therapy (CEGT) combines both CBT and psychodramatic techniques to resolve distress and promote change. The group format is, foremost, a problem-solving approach for working through various interpersonal, occupational, educational, psychological, and health-related conflicts. The techniques employed in CEGT go above and beyond typical group therapy sessions.
Session Format:
Each group session in CEGT is divided into three sections that are typical in psychodramatic interventions: warm-up, action, and sharing. The first portion (warm-up) of CEGT utilizes many CBT techniques.
Warm-up Phase:
During the warm-up phase, a protagonist is identified; typically, a group member will volunteer.
Action Phase:
During the action section, the enactment of a situation takes place. Psychodramatic techniques are helpful in pulling out additional conflicts and core beliefs that may not have been initially revealed through the ATR.
Sharing Phase:
In the sharing phase, the various auxiliaries and other group members share their empathy and experiences with the protagonist of the scene.
Thought Record Data:
Group members record their dysfunctional thoughts; keep track of their depression, anxiety, and hopelessness scores from week to week; and review assessments from pre- and post-group participation.
Genograms:
Genograms represent intergenerational family maps. Like the traditional family tree, they depict family members, but they go further to bring the family tree to life.
Social Atom:
A social atom graphically depicts an individual’s social network of significant others, groups, and objects that represent issues of importance such as closeness and distance.
Homework:
The goal of homework is to address the core beliefs and schemas through a behavioral strategy.
Multicultural Considerations:
During the warm-up, the protagonist has the opportunity to expand on what is important in his or her culture.
