ABSTRACT
In group psychotherapy, the therapeutic agenda of exploring and uncovering the full nature of the individual group member’s difficulties may seemingly be undermined by other group members’ maneuvers to quell the anxiety inherent in the process. Among methods that group members employ is answering the question “What should I do?” or offering advice. At first blush, this might seem to corrupt the very purpose of therapy and lead some group therapists to discourage group members from giving advice. After all, many patients have first sought advice from family, friends, radio talk shows, and self-help books. Thoughtful and caring advice has been ineffective in helping the group member resolve his or her issues. However, member to member advice given in the context of a therapy group can be an essential vehicle for furthering self-exploration.
