Group psychotherapy: Basis, methods, and results

The term "group psychotherapy" denotes different methods, In general, the g roups consist of 5-7 patients. The aim of all group methods is gaining insi ght and a social learning process through the interactions of the members. "Group dreams" are relevant not only for the dreamer, but also for all othe r group members and may further insight-processes in all participants. Tend encies in a group to exclude single members from the norm of the group and to make them scapegoats are described. Also, the apparently voluntary collu sion of one member with the group in the role of a sacrifying "Isaac" is sh own. Through the amplifying effect of the group on the emotions and cogniti ons, previously repressed conflict and deficiency experiences become visibl e and treatable. Further, the therapeutic group gives members a hold, which facilitates, for example, obese people and other psychosomatic patients to maintain their motivation for continuing therapy. The therapist offers his attention in a bifocal way to each participant acid to the group as a whol e. The fact that the therapeutic group develops in five phases (explorative contact, regression, catharsis, insight, social learning process) shows th at not only individually determined, but also collectively typical patterns are occurring, which always come in groups to the foreground. The therapis t has to be aware of his own tendencies for fusion and counter-transference , which may hinder the treatment process. Clinically, the successes of grou p psychotherapy are evident, the research concerning the exact measurement of the results, however, is still in its beginnings.