Psychotherapy: Parenting Group Analysis

Introduction
I am writing about a parenting group that I co facilitated during my undergrad at the Center for Psychotherapy. At the center they provide counseling and psychotherapy plus educational seminars and presentations on numerous topics related to family life. In the context of cultural sensitivity, they partner with consumers to address clinical issues on three distinct levels: personal, interpersonal and systemic--a comprehensive approach with a high probability of success.
Although it is not stated it is implied that the center is geared towards the community of African American ethnicity. The space is decorated with African artifacts and all of the offices are named after African …. To top it all off all of the therapist who
With that one concession there was an open discussion where each group member was able to express their feelings and ideas. However, there was a member who was intimidated when it came to speaking up because English was not their first language, but when this member learned I could speak their language she gradually opened up more. If she ever came upon a point that she was unsure of in English, she would say it to me in Creole and I would translate.
Relationships
The social dynamics of the group were generally favorable. One couple (couple S) took the initiative and encouraged other parents to share their circumstances and how they handled certain situations. This couple were the youngest parents there and always sort the advice of the other parents.
The biggest influence in the group was that they were all African American parents. They struggled with the different situations that arise outside of the home; in particular, that of keeping their children safe from the police and the negative influences. I was surprised at how quickly the parents realized that they were interdepend on each other and always inquired about anyone who was absent from the group on any given
Half way through I was not motivated to get there on time or to go at all but every time that I got there at least two members were already waiting. As a matter of fact, it became like a competition of sort to see who would get there first and who would not miss a class. At first I expected the younger parents to gravitate towards each other and form a click but the opposite happened. The younger parents looked to the older members for advice, support and approval. The older parents in turn respected the younger parents and not only guided them but also looked to them for what they called the latest way to raise their children. No one person felt excluded but supported. They all looked out for each other and the agency was great at calling on the day before the class to remind every one of the group and to find out how they were doing. If anyone missed a class a call was placed to them by the agency to find out why and if they could help.