ABSTRACT
Cognitive experiential group therapy (CEGT) is an effective model for working with teen groups. The first one or two sessions are devoted to establishing group norms, explaining cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and schemas, and describing the session format. A description of how the model works with a group of ten teenagers, ranging in age from 13 to 17. There are 16 sessions and each session is described in detail.
Each group session in CEGT is divided into three sections typically found in psychodramatic interventions: warm-up; action; and sharing. Many CBT and psychodramatic techniques are utilized in the warm-up stage. The action stage employs psychodramatic techniques such as role-playing, role-reversal, and mirroring, which facilitate the examination of various conflicting situations individuals experience within the group context. The sharing stage allows auxiliaries and group members to share their experiences with the protagonist.
Adolescent Thought Record
Little has been done to design a thought record with terminology that reflects that of a teenager between the ages of 13 and 17. A complete thought record for adolescents - the MAZE worksheet - has been created to provide a thought record with language that the teen population understands.
Adolescent Case Study Using the MAZE Thought Record
This case study presents a teenager struggling to fit in at her new school and neighborhood. The adolescent group includes members are all experiencing some level of depression and/or anxiety. The case goes through the three phases of the CEGT model utilizing doubling, modeling, and role training that are crucial in learning how to get unstuck from repeated negative behavioral patterns.
