ABSTRACT
Frequent discussions of the features characterizing group therapy appear in the literature. This chapter provides a model/schemata for making meaningful distinctions between groups from supportive to insight-oriented treatment. It includes ten dimensions to characterize psychotherapy groups: group goals; participant roles; level of anxiety; cognitive/emotional balance and locus of reinforcement. The chapter also includes content areas; topographic level; structural components; domains of data and process levels. These variables can be used to both describe the operations of the group as a whole, and to conceptualize therapist behaviour in relation to that of group members. Ideally, the structure of the group, which concerns the utilization of time, space, and material and human resources, is designed to facilitate task accomplishment. The roles of participants in a group should be derived from a mutually agreed upon contract, and should be consistent with the therapeutic goals of the group.
