ABSTRACT
Having followed the preparatory steps which the therapist-conductor has to take with prospective patients, we now follow him in the process of the actual selection and formation of a group-analytic group. In the first place, quite generally speaking, it would be true to say that group psychotherapy is indicated whenever psychotherapy is indicated. The disadvantage of combined treatment is the special relationship which each patient has, inevitably, with the therapist, however much it may be possible to bring back to the group what goes on between therapist and each patient. In terms of brief group psychotherapy we may reach such a point after, say, five or six months; but if we extend treatment beyond this point we may not be able to reach a satisfactory point for termination for another year. In intensive group-analytic psychotherapy, in proportion, a favourable therapeutic result may be within our reach after a year, to be implemented after three or four months' notice.
