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Group therapy usually involves 3 - 6 members of roughly the same age and the psychologist. Usually a group will have a theme and members are selected based on the need to improve some aspect of that particular theme, such as relationship skills, emotion management, self-esteem, etc. Group therapy is recommended when troubles are light to moderate, members are moderate- to high-functioning, when relationship skills training is needed, and as a more afforable method of treatment.

Group therapy is different from individual therapy in a number of ways, with the most obvious difference being the number of people in the room with the psychologist. Originally, group therapy was used as a cost-saving measure, in institutional settings where many people needed psychological treatment and there were too few psychologists to provide the treatment. However, in conducting research on the effectiveness of these therapy groups, psychologists discovered that the group experience benefited people in many ways that were not always addressed in individual psychotherapy. Likewise, it was also discovered that some people did not benefit from group therapy.

In group therapy, members learn that they are not alone in experiencing psychological adjustment problems. They can experiment with trying to relate to others differently in a safe environment with a psychologist present to assist as needed. Additionally, group therapy allows youth to learn from the experiences of others with similar problems. It also allows them to better understand different views and ways to interact.

For adults, Dr. Hartman uses a combination of motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoeducation, and support to provide group members with the opportunity to improve themselves and learn from each other.

For youth, Dr. Hartman uses a combination of Play Therapy (depending on age) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the group sessions. Sessions typically involve structured exercises as well as free play with the psychologist's therapeutic assistance.

Group members are told not to discuss information shared in the group with others. Usually the need for mutual confidentiality preserves the privacy of the information.

Please contact Dr. Hartman for additional inquiries about my group therapy services.