ABSTRACT
In addition, I fostered a family atmosphere in the group to replace the families that had abandoned them long ago. I did this by serving meals at every session to simulate a family dinner, including special events for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I celebrated each member's birthday with a cake and candles. Members reacted strongly to the birthday cake. Mona broke into tears and said, "No one ever gave me birthday cake." Leslie confessed, "I always boast about my busy social life to you all. But the truth is that I have no friends." Gradually, members lowered their defenses and risked exposing their vulnerabilities and other feelings.
