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Hi. You need to read "Essential Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy" by Irvin Yalom. Best book on groups out there. Okay, when I was earning my Master's degree in Psychology, I worked with the same population of girls and boys and they were rough too! Most of them were from Camden, NJ (the murder capitol of the world!). Well, here's what I did: 1st group: I shared with the kids a little bit about myself, to break the ice and appear "real" to them. I informed them that what is discussed in group stays in group. Then, I had each teen go around and state their name, age, and one thing about themselves. (You could do the old trick, and bring lollipops and candy to group. Great icebreaker as well). Then, I took my teens on a walk. A very long walk, and I purposefully utillized this time to get to know each teen individually, and determine what were the group dynamics. What I mean by this is: who tries to lead your group? Who is resistant? Who is your little "drama queen" of the group lol? These are things you need to know. After the walk, I dismissed group. Okay, second group: The clients assumed that we were going to be going for a walk again. No. But, I found a corner of the residential to sit outside and we had group there. The kids expected the candy, so I was ready, but my center funded it. During this group, I passed out handouts of topics that I needed to discuss to draw the group to one focus. The focus of this group was feelings. Once the girls got into it, I dug deeper and deeper. Some girls and boys never opened up. Some did. Tears were shed,and sometimes we laughed. Don't beat yourself up about it. We get in the habit of wanting to save the world, and we simply cannot save them all. There were times in my group that I used self disclosure to bring them together, and sometimes I used "self-involving statements" to keep the client's feelings central. Too many self-disclosures will cost you credibility and make the client want to pity you. Oh, and the other thing I wanted to discuss with you is, in a residential program, these teens are together all day long! I know in my program for my MA, the teens even had school there as well. Only if the teens were on a the level system, (for good behavior), were they allowed to go on outside activities to the skating rink, movies, bowling alley. I think you personally need to find a way to break these girls down. Especially if they are African American and Latino. You have to understand them from a multicultural perspective. I know many felt uncomfortable around white mental health clinicians. I think I used being African American to my advantage. I know some of my colleagues who where Caucasian, struggled with trust issues. So, when breaking them down, find something that they have a common interest in and start slow. You cannot get to the meat and potatoes with them right away. You have to start with maybe the appetizer, and work your way in (if you catch my drift). Now, I know this is a group, but perhaps you could get permission to do something fun with your girls, just to break the ice with them. I think from reading your question, it sounds like you were very authoritarian with those girls and a red flag went up for them, and they refused to comply with you. Candy is always a good icebreaker. You could let them pass it around, but based on the number of pieces they take, they have to share something about themselves to the group. Break the ice, eliminate the clicks, build the anxiety by having them sit in assigned seats perhaps, use a little self-disclosure without losing your authoritarian position, and start rebuilding this group. Also, some good reads will be important on multicultural counseling Latinos and African Americans.

Why don't you do some Trustbuilding exercises with the group? For example: line them up into two rows, have a volunteer stand at the front, cross her arms and fall back. When each person does it and realizes that the rest of the group won't let them fall, they will be able to trust and feel safe. Once the girls feel safe with one another, they may open up in a group setting to discuss their issues. Just a suggestion....

I worked part time in a group home for girls and hear you on this behavior. Our therapist was sure to discipline for disruptive behavior. It was a very serious offense to act out in group therapy and could put them on major restriction. They have to do it, and they have to behave. If I were you, I'd talk to the house staff about their most effective discipline with those individuals.

You can help build trust by taking it nice and slow, and I wouldn't be very discouraged if they don't get deep right away.

It's a tough job you have! Good luck and keep with it....they need you.

well. im 16 and i volunteer at this once place similar to what you speak of. they have partners rather than gouips. perhaps in the beginning you can meet as a group, talk about the topic or whatever of the day and spilt them off into pairs (with someone who they will get along with) to talk about it. surely their should be a match for everyone. at the end meet as a group and lket htem voluntarily say what they taslked about with their partner. if you have too let them pick their own partners.im 16, and i know if i were in a place like that for those sorts of things i'd be uneasy in a group setting at frist too. i think id really enjoy the one on one, and i think maybe building up to group settings is a good diea... good luck.

My best suggestion - go to cnvc.org - also read the book: Non-Violent Communication, A Language of the Heart" Marshall Rosenberg, PH.D

This is an excellent communication technique to help people understand themselves & others; And also for making heartfelt connections.