Tools to Make Group Therapy More Effective and Engaging

 Having led multiple therapy and support groups over the years, I wanted to provide a quick post highlighting some of the tools I've used to make those group more effective and engaging. This isn't a post about how to do therapy or what group modalities are the best. These are simple tools that you can begin to implement into your group and increase engagement. (I'll include a link at the end so you can see the tools).

1. Dry erase answer paddles

• Every member gets a paddle and dry erase marker! You can do check-ins with these. Members can write a word or words about how they're feeling OR they can even draw a picture (think emoji)! These can be used at the beginning of group, the end, or somewhere in the middle. They can also be used for specific activities. 

2. Dry erase markers with erasers on the end

• First of all--you need the dry erase markers to go with the answer paddles. What makes these more effective is that the erasers are built in! You don't need to carry around separate erasers for everyone to use because they're already there!

3. Giant sticky pad

• If you've never used one of these then you're missing out! You can peel and stick these huge sheets of paper on any wall (ok, maybe not ANY wall). I like using these when we're creating group rules at the beginning of a group. They're big and the whole group can see what you write. They're also great for brainstorming or writing down other big ideas. Another thing I love is that you can have a writing surface anywhere you go. You don't have to have a big dry erase board in your meeting room. Sometimes when I've lead groups in the past, I was having to change locations throughout the day. I was able to peel off notes from the wall and re-stick them somewhere else. 

4. Poster board or project board

• One of the things I've done with groups in the past is have them design their own poster. This could be used for any number of interventions. It could be an "About Me." It could be drawing how their mind works. Maybe their family of influence. Network of support. Personally, I used these when working with grief and had members present their loved ones on a poster board. They took them home and they had free rein. When they were ready they brought them back to the group and presented to the group. It was a wonderful way to learn about their loved one and honor that person. 

You can view these group therapy tools here along with some other ideas that may be helpful.