ABSTRACT
Psychotherapy groups for older adults present the Therapist with a dilemma more exactly, with a contradiction. Older adults often suffer from social isolation; often they are attracted to group therapy because this is a modality, which relieves isolation. Juxtaposed against this reality is the position that group therapy is best conducted when the boundaries are firm; that is, outside socialization is discouraged if not banned outright. The group continually wonders about, and challenges, 'Dr. Saiger's rule' that there is to be no outside contact. Inclusion criteria include that no two Members have an outside relationship, and Members are cautioned not to establish outside relationships with each other after joining the group. The Therapist should not undertake it lightly, stopping to evaluate the group dynamic and the psychodynamics of the principles. But at some point, one must act. When one does, one must be ready for unexpected consequences.
