Let's Come Together: Group 101, A Starting Point

If you are new to the field of psychiatric nursing, counseling and therapy groups may present as a unique challenge for you. You may, however, have some questions concerning them. Why are they used? And, what are some of the differences? Allow me to share briefly some of the nuances of group.

Group counseling and group therapy differ in focus. It is important to know these differences.

Group Counseling
1. The members are essentially well
2. Primarily focuses on growth and development, problem solving, prevention, self awareness, overcoming life obstacles, improving life quality
3. Focuses tend to deal with issues across the human life span, such as educational, vocational (ie career, retirement, and hobby), social (ie raising community awareness), spiritual, and personal (ie nutrition and health).
4. May be lead by professionals and by nonprofessionals alike

Group Therapy
1. The members are less well
2. Primarily focuses on remediation, treatment intervention, and reforming personality
3. Focuses tend to deal with issues of coping and improving mental health adjustment during periods of personal distress
4. Typically are led by trained professionals


There are also different formats for entering a group.

Closed Group
1. The group leader(s) has a new or an existing group where he/she interviews potential new members who wish to join. The priority is to ensure minimal upset for existing group members...and if that potential member may benefit. The interview is conducted to ensure that the potential member fits or matches the group, expectations, and purpose.
Example: Rape victims

Open Group
1. The group leader(s) has a new or an existing group where he/she permits all/most new potential members to enter the group who wish to join. The priority is to provide the service to all who ask for it.
Example: Lamaze Instruction


There are also various types of groups, depending upon the need of members. Although they may share a lot of commonalities (insight, information, support), their leadership and primary focus often sets them apart.

Group Types

1. Process groups
---typically are professionally led; the goal is personal insight and support gained via interaction of members
Example: Depression group

2. Structured groups
---may be led by either a professional or a nonprofessional (depending upon the subject matter); the goal is to learn new information provided by the leader
Example: Stress Reduction group

3. Self Help groups
---typically are led by nonprofessionals who share both leadership and characteristics of the members; the goal is to improve support
Example: AA meeting


The above may explain why there are various types of group formats out there, who typically leads them, and why people join them. It is important to know some of these differences...either for yourself or in referring others to them. Depending upon the needs of the individual, belonging to a group can either serve most needs or may be a strengthening adjunct when in individual counseling and/or treatment.