Continuing our group therapy content, let's take a moment to think about screening clients for a group. The NCE content guide references this valuable skill: "Screen clients for appropriate services."
Before you introduce a new client to your therapy group, it is important to determine that they are ready for the group and that the group can meet their needs. Therapists usually determine this in a pre-group interview or screening in which the facilitator talks with the client (and perhaps consults with the client's individual therapist).
Some factors to pay attention to when considering a new client for a group include:
- The client's safety and risk status
- The client's formal diagnoses and presenting concerns
- The client's attendance availability
- The client's expectations for the group
The screening is also a great time to make sure that the client understands what a typical group session is like and what structures or guidelines apply to the group. The therapist can answer any questions the client has about their participation and even speak to their apprehensions.
More great info about pre-screening can be found here.
Have you screened a client for a group? How did it go?