Writing Sample Provided:
We believe that DBT and the Spiritual Nursing Theory combined would provide the most successful group outcomes. As group leaders using these therapies, we would need to be familiar with outpatient treatment such as a blend of change (behavior therapy) and acceptance (mindfulness training). Additionally “within ANA guidelines, spiritual nurses insert their faith, spirituality…” (Cutler, 2004). This will also assist in decreasing stress associated with disordered eating.
As group leaders, we must be “vigilant in addressing any counter transference issues that may arise” (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2010) for each other during the length of this group process. Also, we wish to contribute to peer-reviewed research knowledge as to how to treat this population both psychotherapeutically and pharmacologically. While leading groups, “the therapists receive DBT from each other at the regular THERAPIST CONSULTATION GROUPS … this is regarded as an essential aspect of therapy. The leaders of the group are required to keep each other in the DBT mode and (among other things) are required to give a formal undertaking to remain dialectical in their interaction with each other, to avoid any pejorative descriptions of patient or therapist behavior, to respect therapists' individual limits and generally are expected to treat each other at least as well as they treat their patients. Part of the session may be used for ongoing training purposes” (Linehan, 1993).
We think that due to possible emotions of perceived loss and abandonment that this should be a closed group so as to provide an atmosphere of trust and acceptance that will take some time to develop. “A potential disadvantage of open groups is that rapid changing of members can result in a lack of cohesion…” (Corey, Corey, and Corey, 2010).
To be included in this group, clients would be dieting at average or low weight or have had hospitalizations or a diagnosis of Anorexia. This group is open to all cultures “consider putting together a group of individuals who share common experiences yet who also are diverse in a number of respects” (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2010).
During the pre-group interview session it will be explained that clients of the group would be expected to keep diaries of each session, and make comments during sessions and between sessions in this diary. Clients picked for the group would agree in the pre-group interview to answer questionnaires on paper after each meeting including the final meeting, and come to a post group session (after termination of the group) which will be determined by the total group members three sessions prior to ending the group process. Expectations of members will be to assist the leaders in evaluating group intervention success/failure after the groups terminate.
The group will be held in a private room within a community center for “groups of relatively well functioning adults” (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2010) two hours a week for six months. Total amount of members will not exceed eight “weekly ongoing group of adults, about eight people would be ideal” (Corey, Corey, & Corey, 2010).