ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the range; diversity and history by describing 10 studies that help define key applications. They include short-term once-weekly homogeneous groups, once-weekly and twice-weekly slow-open groups conducted on an on-going basis and block groups conducted in training programmes or offered as a 'stand-alone' therapy. Eight of the studies are in public service and two in private practice. The chapter discusses the study that was undertaken in Norway's community psychiatric services nearly 40 years after B. M. Dick by a team of nine experienced conductors all of whom were trained group analysts and each conducted both a short- and long-term group of eight patients. It integrates clinical and research expertise to evaluate the significance of treatment duration. In Dick's study, psychosomatic presentations in her patient population were third in frequency, and the steady remission of the symptoms during her groups was a heartening finding.
