63rd Annual Conference

Thursday, February 23

Afternoon (Continuous One-Hour Open Sessions)

4:45-5:45 P.M.

Session 211

Threats of Violence in Group Psychotherapy

Presenter:      

Paul Steinberg, M.D., F.R.C.P.C. Clinical Professor, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Threats of violence in a group psychotherapy program are examined regarding the motivation to make threats, and what fosters threats.  Effects of threats on patients, the program, and therapists are considered.  Management of the threatening patient, the group, and staff reactions are described.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Predict which patients in group psychotherapy are at an increased risk of making threats of violence.

2. Identify factors in therapists which heighten risk of group psychotherapy patients making threats of violence.

3. Identify approaches to the management of other patients, of the group as a whole, and of staff in institutions where a group psychotherapy patient has made a threat of violence.

Course References:

1. Steinberg, P. & Duggal, S. (2004). Threats of Violence in Group-Oriented Day Treatment.  International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 54(1), 7-22.

2. Beck, P. & Roy, R. (1997). Violent and Destructive Behavior in the Therapeutic Environment: Guidelines for psychiatrists. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 42, UI-U6

3. Koopman, C., Zarcone, J., Mann, M., Freinkel, A., Spieger, D. (1998). Acute

Stress Reactions to a Patient Threat.  Anxiety, Stress, and Coping, 11, 27-45.