group psychotherapy
Noun: A form of psychotherapy in which a therapist treats a small number of patients together as a group. The therapeutic process relies significantly on the interactions, relationships, and shared experiences among the group members.
This term is used specifically in clinical psychology and mental health contexts to describe a therapeutic method. It is often contrasted with individual psychotherapy. - After his initial assessment, the psychologist recommended group psychotherapy to help him develop social skills. - The clinic offers several group psychotherapy sessions weekly, each focusing on a different theme like anxiety or grief.
- Process-Oriented Group Psychotherapy: This type focuses on the interpersonal dynamics and relationships that form within the group itself as the primary vehicle for healing.
- Support Group vs. Group Psychotherapy: While both involve groups, a support group is typically peer-led and focuses on mutual support, whereas group psychotherapy is led by a trained therapist with specific therapeutic goals.
- Group Therapy (n): A common synonym for group psychotherapy, though sometimes used in broader contexts (e.g., support groups).
- Psychodrama (n): A specific method of group psychotherapy that uses guided dramatic action to examine problems.
- Therapy Group (n): The collective of patients participating in group psychotherapy.
- Group Therapy
- Group Analysis (specifically in some psychoanalytic traditions)
- Interpersonal Group Therapy
- To be in group psychotherapy: To participate as a patient in this form of treatment.
- She has been in group psychotherapy for six months and finds the shared experiences invaluable.
- To run/lead a group psychotherapy session: To act as the therapist facilitating the group.
- Dr. Evans runs a group psychotherapy session for veterans every Thursday.
The core meaning is always clinical. The term emphasizes the structured, therapeutic use of group dynamics under professional guidance. It is not used to describe casual group discussions or self-help meetings unless they are formally conducted by a licensed therapist.
- psychotherapy in which a small group of individuals meet with a therapist; interactions among the members are considered to be therapeutic