Focused group analytic psychotherapy: An integration of clinical experience and research

Abstract

Objective: Group-analytic psychotherapy is probably the most commonly used psychodynamic group therapy in Europe. This paper describes focused group analytic psychotherapy (FGAP), a new time–limited version of this therapy, based on clinical experience and research. The therapy/suitability of patients: It is relatively structured and individually oriented, and designed for patients with a certain ability to tolerate internal and external stress, without decompensating or developing serious behavioral disturbances (they should have a limited degree of personality pathology). Patients entering FGAP should establish a circumscribed therapy focus ahead of therapy, based on some dysfunctional patterns of interpersonal problems, conflicts, and/or symptoms related to a psychodynamic hypothesis/case formulation. Selection/preparation: The paper describes patient selection and preparation, the evolvement of the group process, and how therapist and other group members interact/intervene. Clinical material/vignettes: Central elements in the evaluation and aspects of the therapy are described and illustrated with an extensive case description and clinical material and vignettes from the group process.