In a group therapy context, which comment signals that a member is acting as the gatekeeper?

In a group therapy context, which comment signals that a member is acting as the gatekeeper?

• A. That's O.K. We all feel frustrated sometimes.
• B. Today the group has tackled some tough issues.
• C. Pat, what would you like to add?
• D. Do you all agree with the decision to meet again for 2 hours?

Answer: (C)

Gatekeeping in a therapy group is about guiding who speaks and making sure everyone has a chance to contribute. The comment to Pat—“Pat, what would you like to add?”—actively invites input from a member and helps regulate the flow of discussion. It signals that participation is being monitored and encouraged, preventing one person from dominating the conversation and promoting balanced participation. The other remarks validate feelings, summarize group content, or raise logistics, but they don’t steer who speaks or manage turn-taking in the same way.

Gatekeeping in a therapy group is about guiding who speaks and making sure everyone has a chance to contribute. The comment to Pat—“Pat, what would you like to add?”—actively invites input from a member and helps regulate the flow of discussion. It signals that participation is being monitored and encouraged, preventing one person from dominating the conversation and promoting balanced participation. The other remarks validate feelings, summarize group content, or raise logistics, but they don’t steer who speaks or manage turn-taking in the same way.