Therapy Factors in Psychotherapy Groups

Abstract

Corsini and Rosenberg (1955) were the first to speak of therapeutic factors in group psychotherapy, while Irwin Yalom grounded the concept theoretically and in research. Therapeutic factors are a trans-theoretical concept which enables research within various paradigms of group work. The author of the article first presents Foulkes’ understanding of therapeutic factors in group analysis. The author then gives a short history of the concept and presents in detail Yalom’s categories of therapeutic factors. In the second part of the article the author offers an overview of the research field dealing with the following questions: which therapeutic factors are operative in different groups and different phases of group development; what are the differences in therapist’s and patient’s evaluation of factors; how are therapeutic factors associated with the outcome of the treatment. The author also critically evaluates research findings and methodology and shares his experiences from clinical practice.