Group counseling/psychotherapy as a school intervention to enhance close friendships in preadolescence

This article recognizes the development of a close same-sex friendship as a developmental task, distinguishable from general successful peer relations. It is argued that a close friendship includes the component of relational competence, which is effectively developed in interactional group psychotherapy and therefore may be a viable method to promote intimate friendships in preadolescence. The rationale for linking growth in intimate friendship with group psychotherapy is provided and supported with illustrations of the therapeutic process as well as with research data.