Attendance Quote by Jonathan Berent
““Of course, even in such a supportive setting, resistance still arises. In a “friendly” forum, stressors can be explored and confronted more easily, however, and I have found that the degree to which a person uses the group is often a good indicator of how well he or she is progressing therapeutically. Good attendance shows effort and commitment; poor attendance indicates that a person is giving in to anxiety. I’ve heard all the excuses and manipulations--canceling plans is typical of people with avoidance problems related to social anxiety. (I’m sometimes tempted to open a garage to repair all those cars that break down on group night!)””
About This Quote
Source Article: Group Therapy Dynamics, 2018
Group attendance reflects commitment; poor attendance signals anxiety‑driven avoidance, which hinders therapeutic progress.
In simple terms: Showing up shows effort; skipping shows anxiety.
Key Takeaway
Encourage consistent attendance to support growth.
Themes
therapy
anxiety
group dynamics
commitment
progress
Mood
supportive
analytical
Type
therapeutic
educational
When to use this quote
- support groups
- counseling sessions
- rehab meetings
- online forums
Key Concepts
behavioral avoidance
social support
therapeutic alliance
Questions to Reflect On
- What motivates you to attend despite anxiety?
- How can groups make attendance feel safer?
A Different Perspective
Attendance alone doesn’t guarantee deep change.
