Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy

Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy is an evidenced-based specialty that prepares group leaders to identify and capitalize on developmental and healing possibilities embedded in the interpersonal/intrapersonal functioning of individual group members as well as collectively for the group.  Emphasis is placed on the use of group dynamics to assist and treat individual group members.  The specialty is applicable to all age groups, children, adolescents, adults and older adults, for a wide variety of conditions and concerns, and in numerous and diverse settings. 

The specialty requires a knowledge base that emphasizes the following:

• Group and individual member development.
• Group as a whole interventions to include group process and process commentary.
• Evidence-based effective group principles and practices, such as therapeutic group factors.
• Application of group psychology and group psychotherapy theory and practice to a variety of groups.
• Effective group facilitation skills.
• Consultation, supervision and interventions for group and member issues, problems, and concerns.

Groups are used for addressing problems, issues and concerns for many and varied audiences of all ages. Examples for problems addressed by group are the following:

• Emotional and mental disorders as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual.
• Medical illnesses.
• Behavioral problems and concerns.
• Interpersonal relating and communications difficulties.
• Life transitions.
• Support and development of coping and managing skills development for conditions.
• Trauma and crisis.
• Stress and stress reduction.

The range of populations served by Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy include:

• Adolescents, children, adults, older adults.
• Justice-system involved persons.
• Hospitalized patients.
• Inpatients.
• Substance abuse patients.
• Residential facility patients.
• Veterans and active duty military.
• Colleges, universities, and schools.

Assessment consists of individual assessment and group assessment. Individual assessment emphasizes assessing the individual’s appropriateness for the particular group (screening), such as level of interpersonal skills and the capacity to engage in group process, and psychological assessment of issues, motivation, diagnoses and similar issues related to successful outcomes. Group assessment incorporates evaluation of group factors such as, group climate, group cohesion, group dynamics, and how group members relate to one another and to the group leader. Assessment also helps to identify evidence-based predictors of premature termination, as well as motivators for positive treatment outcomes.

Intervention consists of promotion of positive changes for emotional, cognitive, relational and physical well-being using evidence-based strategies. Integration of theories (such as interpersonal, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, psychodynamic, existential, acceptance and commitment therapy with practice as applied to conditions, issues and concerns.

Consultation includes specialists in group psychology and group psychotherapy provide consultation with other health professionals, service agencies, legal entities, medical hospitals, military and veteran’s facilities, schools, colleges and universities, business and industry, sports and athletic professionals, professional organizations, prisons, rehabilitation facilities, and religious and spiritual organizations.