GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY IN THE MID-WEST

Abstract

There are many evidences that group psychotherapy is expanding in its use and in its popularity, including the increase in the literature, and the generally favorable tone of reports. However, neither the literature, nor various transient contacts with group therapists manages to give a more- or-less complete account of the status of group psychotherapy in any geographic area. Our interest, which led to the construction and the distribution of a questionnaire, lay in attitudes of various individuals towards group psychotherapy, especially in terms of their experience. A form was sent to all institutions known or believed by us to be using group methods of psychotherapy in the mid-west states: Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Iowa, containing 26 questions. 200 questionnaires were sent out. 125 responded, and of these, 42 stated that group psychotherapy was being used in that particular institution.