group psychotherapy

Form of psychotherapy carried out with groups of patients, of both sexes, who come together regularly with the therapist as group leader. They are encouraged to talk freely about themselves, their problems, and their feelings towards each other and the therapist.

There are many kinds of group psychotherapy; some are based on psychoanalysis, others involve or are derived from psychodrama. A group usually consists of six to eight patients who meet for treatment once or twice a week. A closed group keeps its membership for the duration of the treatment, about two years, whereas membership of an open group changes when patients leave or are discharged and new patients join the group.