5 Types of Groups

Key Element to Therapeutic

Term Definition Approach/Environment
1. Parallel Group A Parallel Group focuses on Members in parallel groups need to
developing interaction between be able to appreciate and accept
people while they work on each other. Each member will work
individual tasks. on their own task while in the
presence of the other members. OT
will need to continually encourage
and support targeted behaviors.
2. Project Group A Project Group is brought The main goal of a Project Group is
together for a short time to to enhance cooperation and help
complete a small projects while group members to feel comfortable
cooperating with group around each other. The OT will
members. encourage cooperation, healthy
competition, and sharing.
3. Egocentric-Cooperative Group members collaborate to The group members must work
Group complete a specific task in a together to decide on a task to
long-term setting. complete while each maintaining their
rights as a member. Each group
members is expected to provide input
on the task - this input should be
specific to that member's skillset.
4. Cooperative Group A Cooperative Group provides This type of group is about sharing
an environment for group and listening. The OT should not
members to openly share focus on completing a goal or
emotions, challenges and changing behavior. The goal is simply
shared intentions. to gain the satisfaction of a mutual
experience.
5. Mature Group A Mature Group focuses on the The goal is to help the group
accomplishment of a specific members identify roles within the
task in a limited amount of time. group and to function well within
The completion of the task is those roles. A group member will
more important than the group need to be willing to prioritize the
member's individual needs. needs of the group over their own
desires.
Role of the Therapist
The OT provides complete
leadership for the group. This
includes creating and maintaining
boundaries and reinforcing
positive behaviors.
The OT presents the short task
(usually less than 30 mins) and
assists the group members if they
need it. It is important for the OT
to encourage competition in a
safe environment.
In this type of group the OT
functions as a facilitator. OT
makes suggestions but
encourages the group members
to create and carry out their plan.
OT should encourage group
members to be engaged and
respectful.
In this type of group the OT act
more like an advisor instead of a
strong leader. The OT shares
responsibility for the group with
the group members.
In this type of group the OT
functions only as a group
member. The group should
function independently.
Example
A group of patients in a drug rehab program
take part in an art class. Each individual
works on their own painting or drawing but
the group leader may facilitate discussions
and interactions between the group
members.
A group of patients in an assisted living
community is divided into smaller groups to
complete puzzles. Whichever small group
completes their puzzle first will win a small
prize.
A group of young men and women with
Down's Syndrome come together to have a
pizza party. They must work together to
make the pizzas for the party. The OT
suggest that the group members divide up
the project into smaller tasks and work
together to accomplish each task. Each
group member is encouraged to use their
cooking skills, communicate with the group,
and take turns doing different tasks. When
the pizzas are done, the group gets to enjoy
them together.
A group of adult children who have all lost a
parent, gather together to share something
that helps them remember their parent.
Some members share a song, or a picture,
others just recount a memory of their
parent. The group focuses on expressing
difficult emotions and supporting each other.
A group of recovering addicts in a
transitional housing unit work together to
clean their living space or cook a meal.