title: Personal themes from training groups for health care professionals.
abstract: The personal themes presented by 210 health care professionals in the training group component of an annual group psychotherapy course are described. The course, begun in 1976, provides inexperienced group leaders with an introduction to theory and a personal group experience in 12 weekly sessions. Within this brief period, the development of a cohesive working group is possible. Members have revealed much personal tragedy which cannot be expressed at work for fear of being thought weak. At times in their clinical work members have felt helpless and hopeless. Giving care and not receiving it has been a burden. The group experience has allowed members to transcend professional rivalries and see each other as people and not in stereotype. Members have often feared damaging their careers by self-disclosure and, for some, the group has provided the first opportunity for intimate dialogue with colleagues. The groups have supported members through personal crises and helped them make career decisions. The results highlight the value to staff of having a safe, non-punitive group setting in which they may speak of personal issues that trouble them, begin to become aware of how their own personality and life experience may impair and enrich their ability as therapists, and surmount the obstacle of stereotyping to meet their colleagues in dialogue.
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D006117:Grief; D006126:Group Processes; D006281:Health Occupations / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000193:education*; D012650:Self Disclosure; D012944:Social Support