Evidence-based group treatment
- Addresses interpersonal issues
- Provides opportunities for social learning
- Combines professional guidance with peer support
Group Psychologist (TGP) is a triannual publication from Division 49 that focuses on the dissemination of information in the fields of group psychology and group psychotherapy as an evidence-based specialty.
TGP provides content that is educational and relevant to our members, showcasing applications of group psychology, group psychotherapy clinical program development, research, and advocacy for the practice of group psychology and group psychotherapy. We strive to highlight diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives throughout the articles. Additionally, it serves as a forum where Division 49 members and graduate students can communicate and highlight their ideas in the fields of group psychology and group psychotherapy.
History of division 49
In the early 1980s, special sections of people interested in group psychotherapy formed in several divisions of the APA. This occurred first in Div. 29 (Psychotherapy), and then in Divisions. 12 (Clinical Psychology) 17 (Counseling Psychology). An Interdisciplinary Council on Group Psychotherapy was created in 1989 to coordinate the activities (e.g., workshops and convention programs) of these special sections. As that group developed, its members realized the value of creating a new APA division devoted entirely to group psychology and group psychotherapy.
Creating the new division was not easy; several obstacles had to be overcome. These obstacles included identifying the requisite number (over 600) of potential members and navigating the political currents within APA at that time. But thanks to the efforts of Art Teicher, PhD, and others, Div. 49 was approved by APA’s Council of Representatives in February 1991. Later that year, the society offered its first official program of convention activities in San Francisco.
The pioneers of the division were group psychotherapy practitioners and researchers who wanted a central place for psychologists to meet and communicate their ideas. These psychologists had the vision to include all endeavors related to groups and not to limit this division to the practice and research of group psychotherapy. The title of the division, Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy, reflects the emphasis that all types of groups are sufficient subject matter for Division 49. As the division has grown, the new membership is indicative of the wide variety of group settings and types of groups that these members study. These members are from academia, institutional and agency settings, industry, and independent practice.
The organizational structure and governance has expanded the scope of the division, with the latest elected division president Richard Moreland being the first president who is not a group psychotherapist. The division’s journal is indicative of the large content area of groups as well. Along with the new journal is the older newsletter, which keeps the members abreast of the developments within the division and some of the developments in the field of group psychology and group psychotherapy. As the world moves toward a new century and a new millennium, many new human endeavors are coming about. Most of these endeavors have to do with people in many different groups of many different sizes and goals. Group scholars need to rely on group knowledge and skills to help bring about productive changes and sensitize others to the value and need for better functioning groups in the world.
Div. 49 is an organization that welcomes all psychologists interested in the study and application of group dynamics. The purpose of Div. 49 (Society of Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy) shall be to promote the development and advancement of the field of group psychology and the modality of group psychotherapy through research, teaching and education, and clinical practice and to further the general objectives of the APA.
Much has happened since then, so we urge you to read a paper by Michael Andronico, PhD, that recounts the history of Division 49 in much more detail. That paper appears in a book entitled Unification Through Division: Histories of the Divisions of the APA (Vol. 3), edited by Donald Drewsbury, PhD, and published by APA.
Group psychotherapy
Group psychotherapy is an effective form of therapy in which a small number of people meet together under the guidance of a professionally trained therapist to help themselves and one another. There are many different approaches to group therapy, but they share in common creating a safe, supportive, and cohesive space to address personal, relationship and societal issues. Group therapy can benefit people of different ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and race, cultural and ethnic backgrounds who want help with specific concerns, such as depression, anxiety, serious medical illness, loss, addictive disorders, or behavioral challenges. In addition, group can benefit those seeking self-development by providing a safe environment in which to learn and grow.
Group psychotherapy indeed offers a unique therapeutic environment where individuals can benefit from both the guidance of a trained group therapist and the support of peers facing similar challenges. The effectiveness of group therapy lies in its ability to foster a sense of community and shared understanding among participants, which can be particularly valuable in addressing various types of issues.
The approaches to group therapy can vary widely, from psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral methods to psychodramatic- experiential and supportive models. Despite these distinctions, the core principles remain consistent: creating a safe and supportive space where individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors openly. This environment encourages participants to not only receive support and insights from the therapist but also from one another, which can lead to profound personal growth and development.
Group therapy is particularly effective for addressing interpersonal issues, as it allows individuals to practice new ways of relating and communicating within a supportive setting.
It also provides opportunities for social learning, where participants can observe and learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives. Group psychotherapy offers a powerful therapeutic approach combining professional guidance with peer support. By creating a safe and cohesive environment, group therapy facilitates personal growth, enhances relational skills, and provides a platform for addressing a wide range of personal, relational, and societal issues.
Regardless of the approach, the success of group therapy hinges on creating a secure and collaborative environment where participants feel safe, valued, and understood. This fosters meaningful interactions that contribute to individual healing and growth.
The lone individual who is cut off from all groups is a rarity. Most of us live our lives in groups, and these groups have a profound impact on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Many psychologists focus their attention on single individuals, but social psychologists expand their analysis to include groups, organizations, communities, and even cultures.
A common definition of a “group” is that it is composed of three or more people who have come together for a common reason (e.g., sports teams, work groups, classrooms, therapy groups), whose activities resulted in some kind of output (e.g., scoring goals, producing a product, learning, improved functioning), and who engage in some form of ongoing interpersonal interactions (Parks & Tasca, 2020), such as the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.
Group psychology