ABSTRACT
The training site for new and novice clinicians can be both a wonderful experience and a dreadful one depending on the clinician’s supervisor and or training facility, e.g., client population and physical environment. All sites no matter how wonderful or difficult are the foundations for increased knowledge and practical applications of that which the new clinician has learned. With this in mind, there is little if any change that will occur in a client if there is a paucity of the truth in the client’s life. The truth is often difficult for a client to disclose due to previous fears of being rejected and judged. This is why the sine qua non of good therapy is for the group leader to create an environment that is safe and free of judgment. Although the client’s relationships with her and his group brothers and sisters is very important, it is the client’s relationship with the therapist that fosters the corrective emotional experience. Thus this experience of trust strengthens the therapeutic alliance upon which all growth is possible. All clients at some time in group become problematic. Some infrequently and others multiple times as if testing the limits of a group therapist’s patience. A list of colorful descriptions of clients will help the novice and at times seasoned clinician see their clients in perhaps a different light rather than the typical stogy descriptions of clients’ personality manifestations while in group.
