Group Therapy Note Template

Group Session Details:

Date: November 6, 2025. Time: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM (90 minutes). Group type: DBT Skills Training Group - Emotion Regulation Module. Six members present: Amanda, Marcus, Jennifer, David, Sarah, and Taylor. One absence: Kevin (texted earlier citing work conflict). Co-facilitated with Dr. Lisa Martinez, LCSW.

Session Theme and Content:

The session focused on understanding and changing emotional responses using the DBT skill "Opposite Action." We began with mindfulness practice (5 minutes), followed by homework review from last week's PLEASE skills. The main teaching segment covered when and how to use opposite action for emotions that don't fit the facts or are ineffective. We used real-life scenarios and role-playing exercises to practice identifying urges associated with different emotions and determining appropriate opposite actions. Distributed worksheets on opposite action decision tree and emotion action urges chart for reference.

Group Process and Dynamics:

The group demonstrated strong cohesion this evening with members actively supporting each other during skill practice. There was excellent participation across all members, with everyone contributing at least once during discussions. Marcus and Jennifer engaged in a particularly meaningful exchange about their shared experiences with anxiety-driven avoidance, which created a powerful moment of connection and validation for both. The group showed increased comfort with vulnerability, evidenced by more personal sharing than in previous sessions. Atmosphere was warm and supportive with appropriate use of humor to lighten tense moments. No significant conflicts arose.

Individual Member Participation:

Amanda: Highly engaged throughout, volunteered to role-play scenario. Shared that she successfully used PLEASE skills this week and noticed reduced emotional intensity. Working toward goal of increasing distress tolerance. Marcus: More vocal than usual, shared vulnerable example of avoiding social situations due to anxiety. Demonstrated good understanding of opposite action concept. Jennifer: Connected well with Marcus's sharing, disclosed her own avoidance patterns. Affect appeared lighter than last week. Making progress on reducing self-isolation. David: Participated consistently in all activities. Asked thoughtful clarifying questions about when opposite action is appropriate. Continues to work on identifying emotions accurately. Sarah: Quieter today but attentive. Nodded agreement during others' sharing. When prompted, shared brief example of using skills at work. May benefit from continued encouragement to participate more actively. Taylor: Enthusiastic and engaged. Shared multiple examples from the week. Sometimes dominated discussion; gentle redirection needed twice to ensure others could share. Continuing to work on interpersonal effectiveness skills around listening.

Therapeutic Interventions:

Used Socratic questioning to help members identify emotions and associated action urges. Facilitated role-play exercises where members practiced opposite action in real-time, providing immediate feedback and coaching. Implemented chain analysis when Marcus described avoidance situation to help group understand emotion progression. Validated members' experiences while also gently challenging avoidance patterns. Redirected Taylor twice using "I want to hear from everyone" intervention to balance participation. Used reinforcement strategies by acknowledging members' skill practice and progress. Normalized difficulties with skill implementation while encouraging continued practice.

Clinical Observations:

No acute safety concerns identified. All members appear stable and engaged in treatment. Marcus may benefit from individual check-in next week regarding anxiety symptoms; will reach out via email. Group is progressing well through emotion regulation module with members demonstrating increased skill knowledge and application. The connection between Marcus and Jennifer today suggests developing peer support outside formal group time, which could be therapeutically beneficial. Taylor's enthusiasm is positive but requires monitoring to ensure balanced group participation. Overall, group is at a productive working stage with strong therapeutic alliance among members.

Homework and Between-Session Tasks:

All members assigned to complete opposite action diary card, identifying at least two situations this week where they could practice opposite action. They should note the emotion, the urge, and what opposite action they took or could have taken. Members also asked to continue daily PLEASE skills practice (physical health, balanced eating, avoiding mood-altering substances, balanced sleep, exercise). Encouraged members to review handouts before next session.

Next Session:

November 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM. Next session will continue emotion regulation module with focus on problem-solving skill. We will review opposite action homework and troubleshoot any difficulties with implementation. Kevin confirmed via text he will attend next week. No anticipated changes to group composition at this time.