group therapy

American  

noun

1. psychotherapy in which a number of patients discuss their problems together, usually under the leadership of a therapist, using shared knowledge and experiences to provide constructive feedback about maladaptive behavior.

---

group therapy British  

noun

1. psychol the simultaneous treatment of a number of individuals who are members of a natural group or who are brought together to share their problems in group discussion

---

group therapy Cultural  

1. Any form of psychotherapy involving a group of patients, rather than a one-on-one session between a patient and a therapist. (See encounter group).

---

Discover More

Group therapy is often used to explore interpersonal relations.

Etymology

Origin of group therapy

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

group therapy

She tried everything—an inpatient eating-disorder program, antidepressants, psychiatry, nutrition counseling and group therapy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 8, 2026

Inviting us to sit down with a show about mental health professionals mending their spirits is group therapy on a massive scale in a time of diagnosable disorder.

From Salon ● Feb. 7, 2026

It felt a bit like being in a group therapy session in which you alone are the primary and discomfited focus.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026

“When I’m in a group therapy setting or in my men’s group, I can really connect and be able to see and hear the other person’s pain and suffering,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2025

“You know, I’m not sure how all of this group therapy is supposed to help. Listening to other people’s problems doesn’t exactly make me feel good.”

From "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez