group therapy

group therapy

Form of psychotherapy in which several patients or clients discuss their personal problems, usually in the presence of a therapist or counselor. In one approach to group therapy, the chief aim is to raise members' awareness and morale and combat feelings of isolation by cultivating a sense of belonging to the group; a notable example is Alcoholics Anonymous. The other principal approach strives to foster free discussion and uninhibited self-revelation; members are helped to self-understanding and more successful behaviour through mutual examination of their reactions to people in their lives, including one another.

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group therapy

Psychol the simultaneous treatment of a number of individuals who are members of a natural group or who are brought together to share their problems in group discussion

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group therapy [¦grüp ′ther·ə·pē]

(psychology)

Application of psychotherapeutic techniques to a group, including utilization of interactions of members of the group.