Group therapy help in INPT unit

Hi friends,

I was assigned to do an ACT group on an inpatient unit and I’m struggling to get group involvement, which leaves me feeling defeated. A lot of the patients don’t want to be in treatment, and I often feel like I’m working harder than my clients which I’m recognizing is mentally hard for me.

Any feedback or suggestions on doing a group when patients don’t want to be in treatment?

For context, this group is both youth and adults. I’m the only therapist in a room with 20 patients, we don’t co-facilitate at this office. The population is eating disorders.

I recognize a part of the issue is that they’re so sick they might not have energy, especially in the late afternoon when my group is scheduled.

Thanks!