Group psychotherapy

Introduction

Group psychotherapy is a psychotherapeutic method for treating several individuals simultaneously. The approach to this type of treatment depends on a wide range of factors, including:

• theoretical concept,

• concept of group applied to therapy,

• established group therapy,

• group interaction,

• the role of the individual in the group,

• treatment aims,

• criteria used for composing a group,

• treatment setting,

• duration of treatment,

• the role and tasks of the therapist,

• indications and contraindications applied,

• evaluation of group therapy,

• economical considerations and effectiveness.

At the onset of the group therapy movement (Moreno, 1964), economical issues were an important consideration. As one therapist can treat a greater number of patients than with individual psychotherapy, group therapy is more economical in terms of time and effort. It is important to bear in mind, however, that group sessions require careful preparation, and successful outcome depends to a considerable degree on the therapist's competence. Therapists should be well trained in a group therapy technique and have clinical experience with children and adolescents, especially when undertaking group therapy with severely disturbed patients.

There are several advantages to group psychotherapy with children and adolescents besides economical considerations. These are relevant both to specific theoretical concepts and to the practical relevance of groups in everyday life. Individuals constantly interact with one another in our society. This leads to the development of a variety of groups, each with common characteristics, e.g. families, school classes, groups of colleagues at work, clubs, political parties, etc. A group is not merely an association of individuals; it requires interpersonal relationships (‘cohesion’) and interaction between group members in order to function.