ABSTRACT
From the earliest times man has always lived in family and social groups. Many conflicts and problems created in childhood give rise to difficulties in later life and are occurring in the context of group behaviour. These issues are best explored in groups which are able to provide a fuller understanding of oneself and others. Group psychotherapy can provide a corrective experience for distorted or disrupted interpersonal relationships in early life and offer powerful support and encouragement The aim of group psychotherapy is the promotion of psychological growth and development, emotional maturation, insight and better adjustment in relationships with others. Patients learn about themselves by feedback from the group leader and other members of the group. They can discover how their behaviour and attitudes are often self-defeating and destructive, causing themselves to be misunderstood and to misunderstand others. The group can act as a powerful support and encouragement in maintaining the patients' abstinence from alcohol and drugs.
