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christian counseling today
Vol. 20 no. 4
encounters with the Holy Spirit. We,
as Christian caregivers, cannot “heal”
anyone, but we can create an environ-
ment and opportunity for individuals
to encounter Christ in real and personal
ways. We can provide people with the
chance to be “Christlike” in our interac-
tions with each other and model agape
love. I believe that small groups offer
one of the most profound opportunities
for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts
and lives of Christians.
Known as the father of group
therapy, Dr. Irving Yalom described
several “curative” or therapeutic factors
common to group therapy, which can
also be true of any small group. These
therapeutic factors are the healing
elements in the group process. I will
briefly describe each of these factors and
how they help heal people in the small
group setting.
1
n
Universality:
Small groups rein-
force the sense that we are connected
to others through common experi-
ences and shared feelings. When others
describe emotions similar to what
another member is going through, their
sense of isolation is diminished and they
experience connection.
n
Altruism:
Small groups provide
the opportunity for members to share
themselves and help others. Many
studies have shown the power of
offering assistance to others to improve
self-esteem.
n
Instillation of hope:
When
people see others moving through diffi-
cult situations and healing, they believe
it is possible for them as well.
n
Imparting information:
People
in small groups share practical infor-
mation about what has been helpful or
harmful to them. Group members have
the opportunity to learn from the expe-
riences of others.
n
Development of social skills
or “socializing techniques”:
Group
members can learn and practice social
and interpersonal skills in the safe and
supervised environment of the group.
They can learn how their actions and
