Gregory J. Maccoll, (2007). A 9/11 Parent Support Group. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy: Vol. 57, No. 3, pp. 347-366.
doi: 10.1521/ijgp.2007.57.3.347

A 9/11 Parent Support Group

Gregory J. Maccoll, LCSW

Private Practice, New York City and Forest Hills, N.Y.

Gregory J. MacColl, L.C.S.W., 150 East 56th Street, 2–C New York,NY 10022 E–Mail:



Abstract

This article describes how the author brought together a group of parents who had lost adult children in the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attack. It chronicles the group's progress at different stages with special emphasis given to the first year. The author addresses the importance of encouraging member–to–member dialogue and bonding, as a means of reducing the symptoms of social isolation, emotional numbing, and intrusive imagery. The powerful grip of induced feelings on the leader and the importance of a consultant to manage this are highlighted as well as the complexity of ending such a group.