A closed model of short-term inpatient group psychotherapy

Cohesiveness, an essential element in successful therapy groups, is difficult to establish and maintain in inpatient settings where group membership is constantly changing. Cohesiveness can be increased by the use of a closed group model, in which all members begin the group on a specified day and remain in the group for a predetermined number of sessions. Such groups must work through four developmental phases. The first phase, in which group members overidentify with the problems of other members, is followed by a phase characterized by disenchantment with the group. In the third phase members seek to achieve both independence and intimacy simultaneously, and the final phase involves separation from the group. According to the author, the primary disadvantage of closed therapy groups is that they can be used only in certain settings.