ABSTRACT

This chapter summarises what are usually considered to be the specific advantages or curative factors in interactive groups. There are several features of psychotherapy groups in general which are considered by most workers in the field to have curative potential. The overall aim of group therapy is, of course, for members to uncover their unconscious feelings and how these affect their lives in the here-and-now. Only psychotherapy groups can perform this task effectively - other groups, such as activity groups, work therapy, social skills, do not have this primary task, although incidentally unconscious attitudes are often uncovered. Maclagan, writing of his experience of conducting art therapy groups in a therapeutic community where verbal groups were the 'norm', makes the following comment. Art therapy represents a potentially dangerous encounter with the irrational and the uncontainable. The chapter explores some of the specific responsibilities involved in conducting an interactive art therapy group.