Abstract
Little attention has been paid in the literature to the ways in which psychotherapy groups of fewer than five members can be led effectively. The conditions leading to small groups are presented, including both dynamic and circumstantial conditions arising in the institution, the group, and the therapist. The dynamics of small groups are described based on social psychology research and clinical observations. The paper concludes by presenting therapist and member characteristics as well as therapeutic techniques which contribute to the maximal effectiveness of groups with fewer than five members.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Asch, S. E. (1962). Effects of group pressure upon the modification and distortion of judgements. In D. Cartwright & A. Zander (Eds.),Group dynamics: Research and theory. Evanston, IL: Row Peterson.
Bion, W. R. (1961).Experiences in groups. London: Tavistock.
Day, M. (1981). Process in classical psychodynamic groups.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 31(2), 153–174.
Fischer, P. H. (1953). An analysis of the primary group.Sociometry, 16, 272–276.
Frank, J. D. (1973).Persuasion and healing: A comparative study of psychotherapy. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins University Press, pp. 183–187.
Fulkerson, C. C., Hawkins, D. M., & Alden, A. R. (1981). Psychotherapy groups of insufficient size.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 31(1), 73–82.
Hare, A. P. (1952).Handbook of small group research. New York: Free Press of Glencoe, pp. 224–245.
Miller, N. E. Jr. (1951). The effect of group size on decision-making discussions. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Michigan.
Rice, C. A. & Rutan, J. S. (1981). Boundary maintenance in inpatient therapy groups.International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 31(3), 297–309.
Rutan, J. S. & Alonso, A. (1978). Some guidelines for group therapists.Group, 2, 4–13.
Rutan, J. S. & Rice, C. A. (1981). The charismatic leader: Asset or liability?Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 18(24), 487–492.
Rutan, J. S. & Stone, W. N. (1984).Psychodynamic group psychotherapy. Lexington, MA: Collamore Press.
Samuels, A. S. (1964). Use of group balance as a therapeutic technique.Archives of General Psychiatry, 11, 411–420.
Slater, P. E. (1958). Contrasting correlates of group size.Sociometry, 21, 129–139.
Yalom, I. (1975).The theory and practice of group psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books, pp. 284–286.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cohen, S.L., Rice, C.A. Maximizing the therapeutic effectiveness of small psychotherapy groups. Group 9, 3–9 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01458260
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01458260