In both the Schetman and Meeks chapters for this week, the authors describe the deep impact that group therapy can have on children and adolescents. What stood out to me the most in the readings was the discussion of the process behind the group therapy model and the role of the therapist in that group. In one of the examples that Meeks describes in curating the group, he expresses the ways in which one child Bill is in a group where he has feelings of isolation from the other members after feeling like he is the only one who is not rich. This example provided context for why it may be difficult for a child to discuss things if they do not feel they have space to in group settings and as Meeks explains the importance of having some students who are talkative others who are more reserved and varied personalities in order to make sure the group has space to open up. Meek and Schetman both discuss the role of the therapist in this as not wanting to be someone who controls the group but rather facilitates conversation and creates this space for connection and validation from peers that may not be possible in an individualized therapy session.
Currently, the place I work a family shelter is working with a group of therapists who are starting an adolescent group. In doing the readings for today I realized the importance of having this space being one that exists in the shelter as it may be difficult for children to open up about this in other settings like school or outside activities. I do wonder however if there will be any trouble with the idea that children will have very different experiences with their time in the shelter and that living with one another may cause fear about confidentiality or hold children from speaking freely in fear that their parents will find out about the things they are discussing.