ABSTRACT
The interactive or interpersonal approach to psychotherapy derives from the work of the neo-Freudians and in particular Harry Stack Sullivan. A very informative account of group interactive psychotherapy is given by Yalom and the model is well described by Ratigan and Aveline in Group Psychotherapy in Britain and several therapeutic features of the model are explored by Bloch and Crouch. Group interactive psychotherapy focuses on the actions, reactions and characteristic patterns of interaction which constrain people in their everyday lives and for which help in modifying is sought in the group. Yalom emphasises two concepts: the group as a social microcosm and the corrective emotional experience. 'Social microcosm' refers to a group process which resembles customary everyday functioning, in which patients tend to behave in their usual maladap-tive way. The political dimension of psychotherapy can easily be overlooked, and needs to be more fully addressed within the training and practice of all psychological therapies.
