ABSTRACT
Confronted by the vast array of variables and unpredictables presented by group settings, it is not surprising that group therapists tend to work in a variety of widely differing ways. Some for instance, embark on their groups already guided by the map of broad theoretical principles; others scorn theory, approaching the situation with an open mind, and only after having acquired some sophistication do they reflect upon their experiences in greater depth. The following survey, I trust, will be of relevance for both these approaches. It could also be of interest to those working in other fields, for instance in social work, in politics, industry and education, possibly also to those philosophers who seek for orientations in fields where chaos or vacuum would otherwise prevail.
