How do group and family therapies differ from individual therapy? What are the advantages and disadvantages of group therapy compared to individual therapy? Under what circumstances would you recommend that someone go for group therapy rather than individual therapy?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Group therapy is the simultaneous psychological treatment of several clients (in general, 4-12 people) in a group. Therapists generally will judiciously screen the group participants. In group sessions, the members of the group essentially function as therapists for each other, and often the therapist plays a subtle role. The therapist's functions, in addition to group selection, include goal setting; initiation and maintenance of the therapeutic process; and protection of group members from harm. Group therapy is more economical than individual therapy. Moreover, group members benefit from the social support and experiences of other members.