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The Bridge: An Interracial Couples Group

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The Bridge: An Interracial Couples Group

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The name for this group is “The Bridge: An Interracial Couples Group.” The population for this small group therapy group are coupled adults who are in interracial relationships between 18 and 100 years old. Participants seek support for the differences and obstacles that come from culturally and racially differing pairings. This group can be at-risk for special stressors and existential crises due to particularly unique challenges due to their cultural differences.

This group will be capped at 10 participants, which will total to five couples altogether.  Meetings will be held in the community center room number 120 for a total of 90 minutes from 7pm-8:30pm, every Wednesday, for six weeks total.

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Group Action Plan, Naomi Hunt Espinoza-2

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1. A Sense of Belonging

2. Gaining New Perspectives

3. Increased Accountability

4. Building Confidence

5. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

6. Support During Life Transitions

7. Confidentiality and Trust

(Citizen Advocates, 2025)

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Why Group Therapy Matters

Let's face it-going to therapy isn't always easy. To truly benefit, you have to open up about personal feelings and experiences, which can feel uncomfortable. Even talking to one therapist in a private session can make you feel vulnerable.

Therapy, however, is not limited to seeking counsel from an individual therapist. Group therapy provides one of the most effective ways to treat mental health and substance use issues. Led by one or more trained therapists, group therapy sessions bring together individuals who share similar challenges. While group therapy can be beneficial on its own, it is often used alongside individual therapy and medication for a well-rounded approach to treatment.

Yet, some may feel reluctant to participate in group therapy because of a heightened sense of vulnerability - more people, more exposure. But, if you can get past that feeling, the benefits of group therapy can be incredibly rewarding-especially for those struggling with depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social phobias and substance use disorders.

Benefits of Group Therapy

1. A Sense of Belonging

One of the greatest benefits of group therapy is realizing that you are not alone. Many people with mental health challenges feel isolated, which can make seeking help difficult. In a group setting, you connect with others facing similar struggles. This shared experience fosters trust and reduces feelings of judgment or shame.

2. Gaining New Perspectives

Group therapy exposes you to different viewpoints. Everyone has unique experiences and coping mechanisms. By hearing how others handle their challenges, you may discover new strategies that work for you. Additionally, group members are often at different stages in their recovery, allowing for mentorship and guidance.

3. Increased Accountability

Being part of a group encourages you to stay committed to your goals. While peer pressure is often seen as negative, in a therapy setting, it can be a positive force. Supportive group members offer motivation, feedback and encouragement, helping you stay on track in your recovery journey.

4. Building Confidence

Having a supportive group gives you a safety net. The encouragement of others builds self-confidence, making it easier to step outside of your comfort zone. Even if you face setbacks, knowing that your group is there for you provides reassurance and motivation to keep going.

5. Self-Discovery and Personal Growth

We all have blind spots-things about ourselves that we may not recognize or fully understand. Group therapy provides an opportunity to see yourself through the eyes of others. Honest feedback from group members can help you gain insight, overcome obstacles and grow as a person.

6. Support During Life Transitions

Many individuals in inpatient treatment rely on group therapy as part of their recovery. Transitioning to outpatient group therapy ensures ongoing support, helping maintain progress and providing a structured environment for continued growth.

7. Confidentiality and Trust

Confidentiality is essential in therapy-whether individual or group. While group members are not bound by the same legal obligations as therapists, most group therapy programs require participants to sign confidentiality agreements. This shared commitment to privacy creates a safe space where individuals feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.

Citizen Advocates offers individual, group and family counseling services for mental health and addiction treatment. If you or someone you know could benefit from group therapy, reach out today to start your journey toward healing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does group therapy work?

A: Group therapy involves a therapist leading a session with multiple participants who share similar challenges. Sessions may focus on specific topics, skills or open discussions where members share their experiences and support one another.

Q: Is group therapy as effective as individual therapy?

A: Yes! Group therapy is highly effective, especially when combined with individual therapy. It provides social support, diverse perspectives and shared experiences that individual therapy alone cannot offer.

Q: What if I'm too shy to speak in a group?

A: It's normal to feel hesitant at first. Many people start by just listening until they feel comfortable enough to share. Therapists create a supportive environment where participation is encouraged but never forced.

Q: How do I find a group therapy session?

A: Citizen Advocates provides group therapy as part of our mental health and addiction treatment services. Click here to find the clinic nearest you.

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7 Benefits of Group Therapy for Mental Health

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Dive into the benefits of group therapy and understand its role in fostering support and community among those facing similar struggles.

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To advertise for this group, a QR code and flyers will be placed around local community centers and their social media pages to seek interest. Once participants follow the link, it will show them how to connect with the learning objectives and pre-screen Google Meet virtual interview, scheduled through Calendly with the hosting therapist in the coming weeks.

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Pre-Group Therapy Screening and Selection

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Pre-Group Therapy Screening and Selection

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The hosting therapist will create a five-minute group therapy introduction video that is accessible only to participants with the direct link. With this link, prospective couples will view the content, which covers the purpose and objectives of this interracial group therapy program. Participants may then select to take a pre-interview questionnaire about the current thoughts towards their interracial cultural differences and similarities with their partner. The 20-question assessment will ask for current stresses, relational strengths, relational weaknesses, any immediate safety concerns and possible barriers for their weekly participation in this group. It will also include a disclosure regarding confidentiality and expectations for mutual respect for all participants. This disclosure must be signed by both parties in each couple prior to their virtual interview. The virtual Calendly interview link will be sent to each selected couple through a separate email, which will help them select a time to meet with the therapist via Google Meet. If any significant concerns about participants' health, safety or overall wellbeing raise ethical considerations, they will not be invited to the group and possibly invited to individual counseling with the hosting therapist.

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All participants will receive a link to a specific consent form tailored to The Bridge and the community center's policies accordingly:

They will also view, read and sign the above informed consent document.

(Jotform, n.d.)

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Participants must read, sign and date a ground rules form prior to beginning their first therapy session.

Ground Rules will be read to the group by the therapist at the top of every meeting to reiterate expectations.

Group members must be encouraged to provide feedback if they believe ground rules need amendment or addition, dependent on variable factors as the group sessions progress interpersonally.

(Indiana University School of Medicine, n.d.)

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Stage 1 (Weeks 1 & 2)

These weeks will focus on creating key exercises of self-disclosure, active listening, non-judgement and rapport building between couples and overall participants. If group dynamics shift to criticism, interruption of speakers, oversharing, or any maladaptive group behaviors, the therapist will lead the group to replacement behaviors and interventions that support harmony and the group's rules.

Stage 2 (Weeks 3 & 4)

During these weeks, group participants will hold one another accountable at times for the intended outcomes in group therapy. Couples will provide greater, productive feedback to their partners that is more encouraging, engaging and resolute in nature. If any further disharmony perpetuates, the therapist will intervene, as clarified in the first stage.

Stage 3 (Weeks 5 & 6)

These last two weeks will call for reflections and learned experiences gained in the group format by individuals and couples alike. They will be provides additional counseling resources and literature that aids in any desired, ongoing interracial group/individual therapy. Participants will be shown verbal appreciation for this open dialogue, disclosure and trust in the therapeutic process. Group members will also be reminded that ongoing confidentiality is ethically essential to the therapeutic effect and protection of each member.

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This interracial couples therapy group will be lead in a democratic manner, in which participants will achieve a sense of empowerment and autonomy, while engaging in a collective conversation. While the therapist leads, she will often defer to the productive dialogue individuals utilize when expressing emotions and logic in conversation. This is the most beneficial leadership style to the group in order for the greater value to be obtain in a short period of time.

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Yalom's Curative Factors of Group Treatment

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Yalom's Curative Factors of Group Treatment

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Following the guidelines for Yalom's Curative Factors of Group Treatment, the therapist will guide participants to engage in communication through the following beliefs and behaviors:

Installation of Hope

The belief that group therapy can and will help individuals and couple cooperate, communicate, understand and represent themselves in more attuned manners over time.

Universality

The collective therapy group will relate and identify similar struggles as they arise to assure the normalcy of many human behaviors and thoughts.

Imparting of Information

The therapist will disseminate data, anecdotes and strategies of development and intervention as needed to assist learning.

Altruism

Group members will create a sense of purpose in interpersonal skill building, relationship navigation and aiding others.

Corrective Recapitulation of Primary Family Group

When associations with familial relations arise in the couple dynamic, the therapist or group members will redirect or reframe them accordingly.

Development of Socializing Technique

Participants will learn different approaches to interpersonal communication, empathy, active listening, et cetera.

Imitative Behavior

When some group members show greater skill in an area of relation or communication, other group members will learn these techniques and choices as related to their relationship dynamics.

Catharsis

The group will provide an outlet for all participates to speak more openly and accountably.

Existential Factors

Each person will obtain personal alterations in their understanding of life's greater sources of stress and healing.

Direct Advice

Members and the therapist will assist others in helpful feedback when needed.

Interpersonal Learning

Participants will also consider feedback from others to aid in interpersonal growth as relations to interracial relationships.

(Yolum, 1995)

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Citizen Advocates. (2025, April 4). 7 benefits of group therapy. https://citizenadvocates.net/blog/7-benefits-of-group-therapy/.

Indiana University School of Medicine. (n.d.). TCL support group. https://static.medicine.iupui.edu/DOX/IUCAR/pdf/TCL%20Support%20Group.pdf.

Jotform. (n.d.). Group therapy informed consent form template. Retrieved from https://www.jotform.com/form-templates/group-therapy-informed-consent-form.

Thomas, R. V., & Pender, D. A. (2008). Association for specialists in group work: Best practice guidelines 2007 revisions. Journal for Specialists in Group Work, 33(2), 111–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/01933920801971184.

Yalom, I. D. (1995). The theory and practice of group psychotherapy (4th ed.). Basic Books.

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"Group Workers are aware of and monitor their strengths and

weaknesses and the effects these have on group members. They explore their own cultural identities and how these affect their values and beliefs about group work." (Thomas and Pender, 2008, p. 115)

Participants will serve the group model most effectively when considering what is currently outside of their scope of association or history. This will help themselves and others feel and think more openly and curiously.

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"Group Workers maintain awareness and sensitivity regarding cultural meaning of confidentiality and privacy. Group Workers respect differing views towards disclosure of information" (Thomas and Pender, 2008, p. 113)

Participants will work to understand what is not easy for them to relate to personally. They will develop interest in what is outside of their cultural norms and find respect for what they cannot understand over time and investment.