group therapy, the application of psychotherapeutic techniques within a group of people (usually 10 or fewer) who experience similar difficulties. Generally a group leader directs the discussion of problems in an attempt to promote individual psychological growth and favorable personality change. The procedure provides opportunities for treating a greater number of people in a shorter time than would be possible with individual therapy, and it is used in clinics, in institutions, and in private practice. Group therapy has been found to be particularly effective in the treatment of various addictions. Kinds include psychodrama. See also Gestalt therapy, psychotherapy, self-help group, transactional analysis.
