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Group therapy is a type of psychotherapy in which a group of patients meets for several sessions under the guidance of a mental health therapist (called a conductor, leader or facilitator).
Group therapy can be beneficial for many reasons. It provides patients with an environment in which they can openly share their problems, views and/or concerns with one another and develop insight into their own situations. The feedback patients receive from others during group therapy can make them more aware of maladaptive (counterproductive) patterns of behavior, change their point of view and help them adopt more constructive and effective ways to deal with difficult situations or problems. Patients tend to feel less isolated when they encounter others who are overcoming difficulties. Group therapy can also help patients improve their interpersonal skills – how they relate to other people – and learn different ways to handle the same problem.
Group therapy differs from support groups and self-help groups. It always involves a mental health professional who selects members of a group who may or may not have a condition in common. Support groups and self-help groups usually have a common theme (e.g., recently divorced people). They may be led by the members or by a professional counselor.
Some of the issues that may be addressed during group therapy include:
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Emotional disorders or mental illnesses, such as:
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Major depression
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Bipolar disorder
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Anxiety disorders (e.g., panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder)
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Eating disorders (e.g., anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder)
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Schizophrenia
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Borderline personality disorder
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Substance abuse and/or drug dependence
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Problems with interpersonal relationships (e.g., marital problems, conflicts with co-workers)
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Issues facing children and adolescents, such as the impact of divorce, peer pressure and learning or behavioral problems
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The loss of a loved one (grief)
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Aging and elderly issues
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Chronic illnesses (e.g., cancer, AIDS)
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Traumatic events
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Lifestyle issues within a traditional culture, such as adapting to living in a foreign country
Group therapy is generally practiced in a variety of settings, including a therapist’s office or outpatient mental health facility. It may also occur when a patient receives inpatient psychiatric care.
Before beginning group therapy, a therapist will perform a psychiatric evaluation to assess each patient’s condition. The evaluation helps the therapist gather as much information as necessary to select appropriate members of the group.
During a typical group therapy session, patients are encouraged to talk with each other as spontaneously and honestly as possible under the guidance of a therapist. Patients are also asked to keep the content of the group sessions confidential to ensure that what members talk about or disclose is not discussed outside the group. A typical session, which can last from 75 to 90 minutes, generally consists of a group of up to 12 patients.
Functions of a therapist during group therapy include:
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Facilitating member participation and interaction
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Focusing topic of conversation
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Mediating conflicts among members
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Offering emotional support when necessary
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Facilitating the establishment of group rules and ensuring that these are followed
Generally, therapists apply the principles and techniques of various types of psychotherapy during group therapy, including:
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Behavior therapy. Also called behavior modification, the goal of this therapy is to replace undesirable behaviors with healthier ones. Some techniques used in behavior modification include:
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Positive reinforcement. A technique in which positive behavior is rewarded.
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Desensitization. A technique in which patients confront situations that cause discomfort, fear or anxiety and overcome negative emotions.
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Cognitive therapy. A therapy that involves identifying distorted patterns of thinking, which are called maladaptive schemas. These are fundamental core beliefs or assumptions that are part of the perceptual filter people use to view the world. An example of a maladaptive schema is a statement such as “The world is an evil or dangerous place.”
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Cognitive behavior therapy. A type of psychotherapy that combines techniques used in both behavior therapy and cognitive therapy. The goal of cognitive behavior therapy is to help patients change negative thought patterns, beliefs and behaviors so that they can manage their symptoms and enjoy more productive, less stressful lives.
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Psychodynamic psychotherapy. A more intensive type of psychotherapy that emphasizes understanding the issues that motivate and influence the way a patient behaves, thinks and feels.
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Interpersonal therapy. This therapy focuses on a patient’s relationship with other people. The purpose of interpersonal therapy is to improve a patient’s interpersonal skills – how they relate to others, including family members, friends and peers.
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Psychoeducational therapy. This therapy focuses on teaching the patient – and sometimes family members and friends – about their illness. It explores treatment options, coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
During this type of therapy, patients may learn about resources in their community, such as support groups. They may also learn to recognize symptoms to prevent a relapse. This type of psychotherapy can be useful for patients with a chronic or severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia.
In group therapy, the group of patients may sometimes be mixed with members dealing with a variety problems or issues. Mental health experts believe that patients with different strengths and difficulties are usually better suited to help each other. However, in some cases, such as in the treatment of eating disorders, groups may include only patients with the same disorder or condition.
Groups usually meet weekly, and duration of therapy can vary. For some patients, group therapy can last for a few months. Others may attend group therapy for a few years. The frequency and duration of group therapy often depend on many factors, including the severity of the patients’ conditions and/or problems as well as the results sought by the therapist. Some patients in group therapy may also meet with a therapist individually.
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