A Review of Group Systems Theory

The ability to see interpersonal and group processes beyond the individual level is an essential skill for group therapists (Crouch, Bloch & Wanlass, 1994 Crouch , E. , Bloch , S. , & Wanlass , J. ( 1994 ). Therapeutic factors: Interpersonal and intrapersonal mechanisms . In A. Fuhriman & G. M. Burlingame (Eds.), Handbook of group psychotherapy: An empirical and clinical synthesis . New York : John Wiley & Sons . [Google Scholar]; Dies, 1994 Dies , R. R. ( 1994 ). Therapist variables in group psychotherapy research . In A. Fuhriman & G. M. Burlingame (Eds.), Handbook of group psychotherapy: An empirical and clinical synthesis . New York : John Wiley & Sons . [Google Scholar]; Fuhriman & Burlingame, 1994 Fuhriman , A. & Burlingame , G. M. ( 1994 ). Group psychotherapy: Research and practice . In A. Fuhriman & G. M. Burlingame (Eds.), Handbook of group psychotherapy: An empirical and clinical synthesis . New York : John Wiley & Sons . [Google Scholar]). In addition to interpersonal therapy models (e.g., Sullivan and Yalom), there are a number of systems theory models that offer a broad array of possibilities for developing group practitioner perspectives beyond individual dynamics. This paper will outline the background and conceptual bases for a number of models that now comprise a category called group systems theory. Group systems theory can provide a variety of directions for innovations in group research and practice.