Apparent and hidden changes in group members according to the different phases of group psychotherapy

On a psychological-motivational-vertical axis, the more or less covert experiences of members of a therapeutic group are determining factors, whereas on a sociological-interactional-horizontal axis, the system approach, or the network of preponderantly apparent interactions, is the object of therapeutic interventions. The psychological view is directed toward the individual members, whereas the sociological approach means grasping the group as a whole. In group treatment a shifting resultant is mostly observed, at times stressing the individual-psychological approach and at other times the systemic-interactional approach. Five phases of group psychotherapy are discussed in which childhood conflicts and deficiency experiences are activated, and insight and social learning are furthered; the psychodynamics and interactions between the members go on in the described phases on individually different levels, apparent or hidden.