During a group therapy session, a group is talking about the pressures of being “perfect” in society (ex. perfect mother) when the counselor/facilitator is confronted by a group member about something they said.

Here is the dialogue:

Counselor: I think that’s an interesting perspective. Thank you for sharing that. I’m curious to know if anyone else in the group feels that way or can maybe talk about times when they don’t want to be perfect, and they want the support of others.

Group member A: Why are you looking at me?

Counselor: Excuse me?

Group member A: Why are you looking at me when you say that?

Counselor: I’m sorry. 

After this interaction, the rest of the group is now visually uncomfortable, looking at each other, looking down, unsure of what to say, fidgeting, and withdrawing from the group. 

*Question: What would you have said to the group member in that catalytic moment to intervene and bring the group back to a whole but still keep the “group member A” connected to the group?