Group therapy
Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a small, carefully selected group of individuals meets regularly with a therapist.
Purpose
The purpose of group therapy is to assist each individual in emotional growth and personal problem solving.
Description
Group therapy encompasses many different kinds of groups with varying theoretical orientations that exist for varying purposes. All therapy groups exist to help individuals grow emotionally and solve personal problems. All utilize the power of the group, as well as the therapist who leads it, in this process.
Unlike the simple two-person relationship between patient and therapist in individual therapy, group therapy offers multiple relationships to assist the individual in growth and problem solving. The noted psychiatrist Dr. Irvin D. Yalom in his book The Theory and Practice of Group Therapy identified 11 "curative factors" that are the "primary agents of change" in group therapy.