The practice of group psychotherapy with adult insulin-dependent diabetics

The content and dynamics of two 11-session psychotherapy groups led by physicians for 18 adult patients with insulin-dependent diabetes are described as a guide for others wishing to use this form of treatment. Patients had often found that having diabetes alienated family and friends and many saw their illness as a shameful imperfect state which might at any time be exposed publicly, usually as a result of hypoglycaemia. Our therapy groups, although time consuming for busy physicians, were much shorter than conventional psychotherapy groups but were nevertheless effective in that five patients made good use of the sessions and six moderate use. Powerful feelings were expressed, sad stories told, and self-esteem raised by the acceptance that group members experienced. It is stressed that those wishing to lead psychotherapy groups need both training and supervision.