When Coleaders Differ: Rupture and Repair in Group Psychotherapy

The nature and quality of coleader relationships in group psychotherapy have been the subjects of numerous investigations. Coleader rupture and repair, however, remain understudied in the group psychotherapy literature. Coleader ruptures vary in intensity, from relatively minor tensions, of which one or both group leaders may be only dimly aware, to major breakdowns in collaboration, understanding, or communication. Effective coleaders are able to identify and repair ruptures in the coleader alliance. This article examines rupture and repair in the coleader relationship through the lens of attachment and interpersonal integrative group theory. Case examples are used to illustrate the application of the principles discussed, and suggestions are provided for strengthening the coleader alliance.