[Donutworryrelax]

Apparently, I have to go through a screening process before I am even accepted into this therapy group. This is really stressing me out because I changed my whole schedule to fit this group in, and if I don't get in, I'll be really upset.

If anyone has gone through a group screening, could you please tell me what it's like?

Never went through any kind of formal screening, but I am sure my therapist only asked me into the group because he felt I would do well in it and be able to utilize the group and function well within the group.

I wouldn't worry too much about it. It is probably just a fairly informal interview process. Unless they see any big red flags like you seem unwilling to follow the rules for the group (confidentiality, taking turns, fair interaction with others, such severe issues that cannot be addressed with in a group setting, etc.), it will most likely be no problem.

What kind of group is this? Is it a formalised situation run and modified by a therapist or other professional? Or is this more loosely knit, informal and self-driven? Is it self-moderated?

I find this all quite questionable regarding the appropriateness. I belong to a self-moderated group and, if anything, a prospective newbie screens us as to whether they ought to attend. I am scratching my head at trying to understand this screening thing so as to allow you to attend. Just doesn't seem quite right to me.

My understanding from an earlier thread is this is a group led by her therapist at her university I think, not a peer moderated group.

[Donutworryrelax]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

What kind of group is this? Is it a formalised situation run and modified by a therapist or other professional? Or is this more loosely knit, informal and self-driven? Is it self-moderated?

I find this all quite questionable regarding the appropriateness. I belong to a self-moderated group and, if anything, a prospective newbie screens us as to whether they ought to attend. I am scratching my head at trying to understand this screening thing so as to allow you to attend. Just doesn't seem quite right to me.

It's a University group about Creating Healthy Relationships. My former counselor told me that the group screening was basically to figure out if the group was "a good fit for me", which sstressed me out.

Follow your screen name advice. It will be fine.

[luvnola]

Yes, I've done a few groups and the t, in my experience, is just making sure the group is good fit for everyone in it. Also making sure you're ready for the group and it will have benefit for you. For instance, one of my eating disorder groups was going to focus on remaining in recovery, so she wanted to make sure everyone was committed to recovery and not actively in the eating disorder. Another group, DBT, I met with the t bc she wanted to make sure I understood the commitment to the group and the homework requirements. Good luck. I"m sure it will be fine.

[catnip123]

One of my previous T's sent me to another T who ran a group that my T wanted me to be part of. The screening was no big deal - a lot like a regular 1st visit with a T.
I 'failed' the screening. The T that ran the group didn't think I'd be a good fit, which made me mad a the moment, but it turned out well. I dumped my T at that time and switched to private therapy with the T that ran the group.
That was one of the better decisions that I've made. She finally accurately diagnosed me and helped me out a lot.

[junkDNA]

this sounds like a pretty formal group. what are the screening questions like? i've been in group therapy for years.. im not in it currently though

[Donutworryrelax]

Originally Posted by catnip123

One of my previous T's sent me to another T who ran a group that my T wanted me to be part of. The screening was no big deal - a lot like a regular 1st visit with a T.
I 'failed' the screening. The T that ran the group didn't think I'd be a good fit, which made me mad a the moment, but it turned out well. I dumped my T at that time and switched to private therapy with the T that ran the group.
That was one of the better decisions that I've made. She finally accurately diagnosed me and helped me out a lot.

Do they tell you why you failed the screening (If this is too personal, you don't have to answer)?

[Donutworryrelax]

Originally Posted by junkDNA

this sounds like a pretty formal group. what are the screening questions like? i've been in group therapy for years.. im not in it currently though

I don't really know. In her email, the group screen was basically to find out if we'd be a "good fit" for the group and to answer any questions we had about it.

Why not just email her back and ask what the screening will entail and express your anxiety about it? That might be the best way to have your questions answered since we're all just guessing here.

[Donutworryrelax]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

Why not just email her back and ask what the screening will entail and express your anxiety about it? That might be the best way to have your questions answered since we're all just guessing here.

That's a good idea, but I feel kind of weird about admitting to my therapist that I'm scared that I won't get into a therapy group.

I don't think she'd be all that surprised; they understand these unknowns can be stressful, and she is really the person with the answers.

[InnerPeace111]

Originally Posted by Donutworryrelax

Apparently, I have to go through a screening process before I am even accepted into this therapy group. This is really stressing me out because I changed my whole schedule to fit this group in, and if I don't get in, I'll be really upset.

If anyone has gone through a group screening, could you please tell me what it's like?

I went through a screening process a few summers ago for an anxiety management group. It felt much like an initial appointment with a T. I think the screening process is a few things: 1) It's an opportunity for the T to meet the group members in advance so that no one is walking in completely cold; 2) It's an opportunity for the T to impart information about what will take place in the group; 3) It's an opportunity for the T and potential group member to ask each other questions; and 4) It's an opportunity for the T to assess how the potential group member will most likely function in the group or to determine if the potential member would be better served in a different group / more intensive setting.

I am thinking it would be really important for a T to want to know if the potential group member is there voluntarily or not.

I wish you all the best with this group!

[Donutworryrelax]

Originally Posted by InnerPeace111

I went through a screening process a few summers ago for an anxiety management group. It felt much like an initial appointment with a T. I think the screening process is a few things: 1) It's an opportunity for the T to meet the group members in advance so that no one is walking in completely cold; 2) It's an opportunity for the T to impart information about what will take place in the group; 3) It's an opportunity for the T and potential group member to ask each other questions; and 4) It's an opportunity for the T to assess how the potential group member will most likely function in the group or to determine if the potential member would be better served in a different group / more intensive setting.

I am thinking it would be really important for a T to want to know if the potential group member is there voluntarily or not.

I wish you all the best with this group!

Thank you very much!

[ScarletPimpernel]

The last group I was in, the T just let me in. However, after a few weeks, she said there might be a new person but she had to screen them first to make sure they fit. She actually made the person pay for a full session! I think that's so wrong. I wouldn't pay for a screening session.

[Donutworryrelax]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

I don't think she'd be all that surprised; they understand these unknowns can be stressful, and she is really the person with the answers.

I just emailed her and I'm waiting for a response back. Thanks for the advice, I probably wouldn't have thought to do this on my own.

[bounceback]

I have been in a lot of groups and have been screened quite a bit. Usually they want to see if you are going to be a good fit, get along with the other members, not attack them or have unresolved anger that you are going to unleash upon them. Also they want to make sure that you are not going to be overwhelmed by what is going to be discussed to the point of being suicidal or self harming. They will probably give you some idea of what the group is about and how it is run and a low down of the rules.

[ABC1357]

I've participated in two group therapies, and both had screening. That was really to see if it's good fit, as your therapist said. They explained what the group is for, how they facilitate, and answered any questions I had. Then they asked me what my expectation to the group is and what I want to get from the group, and we confirmed that the group is right for me. The other things were basic questions - like suicidal thought, drug abuse record, drinking habit, etc. They use the word "screening," but I've never hard of anyone refused by it, unless you find you applied to totally wrong group and you don't want to attend. It's the place for you to learn about the group, and for the therapists to talk to attendees individually and find what kind of concerns each of them have.

[Donutworryrelax]

Hi everyone,

I had the group screening and it went well. I got into the group! Thanks for all your suggestions.