title: Principles of leadership in brief training groups for mental health care professionals.
abstract: Leadership in brief training groups requires a high level of skill, energy, and professionalism. The group needs to be led in a purposeful, constructive manner. A metaphor for beneficial leadership is suggested through the image of a mountain guide who sustains and helps members of the group in their exploration of the psychological terrain that is themselves. The leader has five main tasks: (1) to contain the anxieties of the group, (2) quickly establish a therapeutic atmosphere in the group, (3) guide the group toward issues that can be addressed in the time available, (4) guard against damaging self-disclosure and loss of self-esteem, and (5) help the group end well. Clinical vignettes illustrate the realization of these practice points.
authors.affiliation: Nottingham Psychotherapy Unit, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Aveline
mesh_terms: D006126:Group Processes; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership