Principles of Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy

Abstract

This paper describes different historical developments of the application of psychodynamic treatments within groups and shows some factors reflecting significant influences on the outcome of group psychotherapy such as the structure of the group or group dynamics. It can be assumed that psychodynamic group therapies are characterized by a specific formal change theory as well as related therapeutic factors. Based upon a manual developed within a Norwegian study, general principles of psychodynamic group psychotherapy, differences between short- and long-term groups and specific interventions are introduced. The effectiveness of group treatments is pretty well documented with a low proportion of psychodynamic approaches within the group research literature. The recent development of focused and manualized treatments could help to overcome research deficits within the field of psychodynamic group psychotherapy.