Role of Catharsis in Group Psychotherapy

FRED BEMAK; MARK E. YOUNG

Authors

FRED BEMAK Author
MARK E. YOUNG Author

Keywords:

Psychotherapy

Abstract

The authors reviewed the literature in counseling theory and research concerning the use of catharsis and the integration of catharsis in group psychotherapy. From their review, they provided answers to 3 questions: (a) Is catharsis effective in producing therapeutic change? (b) How does catharsis cause change to occur? and (c) What counselor interventions activate emotional arousal and enhance expression? The authors contended that the use of catharsis is not limited to any particular theoretical orientation and is used in both brief and long-term group psychotherapy, and they outlined specific considerations for group psychotherapists when using catharsis.

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Role of Catharsis in Group Psychotherapy

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