Group psychotherapy is a type of therapy where a small group of patients with similar mental health concerns meet regularly with a trained therapist to treat their conditions. The spelling of this term is /ɡruːp/ /ˌsaɪkəʊˈθerəpi/, with stress on the second syllable of "psychotherapy". "Group" is pronounced with a long "oo" sound and a silent "p", while "psychotherapy" has emphasis on the "koh" syllable and the "th" sound is represented with the "theta" symbol. This term is commonly used in the field of psychology and psychiatry.
Group psychotherapy is a form of psychological treatment in which a small group of individuals, typically ranging from 6 to 12 participants, come together on a regular basis, led by one or more trained therapists, to explore and address their emotional and psychological difficulties. This therapeutic modality is based on the principles of psychotherapy, which aims to promote psychological well-being and personal growth. However, group psychotherapy specifically emphasizes the power of the therapeutic group dynamic in fostering healing and change.
During group psychotherapy sessions, participants are encouraged to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. The therapist facilitates discussions, guides activities, and provides feedback and interventions in order to promote insight, reflection, and connection among group members. Through the sharing of personal experiences and actively engaging with others' stories, participants can gain a broader perspective on their own struggles, learn from each other, develop empathy, build interpersonal skills, and foster a sense of belonging.
Group psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties. It offers unique advantages compared to individual therapy, such as providing multiple perspectives, normalization of experiences, a sense of universality, and peer support. The therapeutic power of the group can amplify and accelerate personal growth and healing by creating a space where individuals not only receive support and understanding, but also have the opportunity to give and offer insights and encouragement to others.
The word "group" comes from the Middle English word "groupe" and originated from the Italian word "grupo" which means "cluster, bunch, or group". It entered the English language around the 1660s.
The term "psychotherapy" has its roots in the late 19th to early 20th century. "Psycho-" is derived from the Greek word "psyche", meaning "soul" or "mind", and "-therapy" comes from the Greek word "therapeia", meaning "healing" or "treatment". The term "psychotherapy" was coined by the German psychiatrist Johann Christian Reil in the 19th century.
Therefore, the term "group psychotherapy" combines "group" referring to a set of individuals gathered together, and "psychotherapy" which refers to the treatment of mental or emotional disorders through psychological techniques.