Selection of patientes for group interventions

This article deals with patients selection criteria, previously unspecified, for referring patients to their adequat therapy groups. Two forms of group therapy are being distinguished, the long-term supportive group therapy, LTSG, and the short-term interpretive group therapy, STIG. They can be identified by the criteria Psychological Mindedness, Quality of Object Relations, Commitment, and Goals. The matching of selection criteria with particular approaches to group therapy requires consideration of factors, such as the therapist's theoretical orientation and technique and the group's goals, composition and structure. Finally training in patient selection is addressed.