Evidence‐based group psychotherapy: using AGPA's practice guidelines to enhance clinical effectiveness

Abstract

Practice guidelines represent a useful approach to facilitate the delivery of evidence‐based mental health care. In this article, we detail group psychotherapy practice guidelines developed by the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). Combining the research literature with expert consensus, the AGPA has created a resource that should prove useful for psychotherapists, administrators, and patients. We illustrate the guidelines through a series of clinical dilemmas and challenges. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–23, 2008.

Overcoming our resistances to “Doing” evidence‐based group practice: a commentary

“…As such, their article serves as a realistic bridge between group research and group practice. I found the vignettes realistic and involving and the responses offered by Leszcz andKobos (this issue, pp. 1238-1260) thoughtful and compelling.…”

“…I had the opportunity of writing a commentary on the introduction of the guidelines (Kivlighan, 2008). Leszcz andKobos' (this issue, pp. 1238-1260) article is a wonderful illustration of how the guidelines can be used by practitioners to enhance their understanding of group psychotherapy research and to apply this knowledge to specific situations.…”

“…This is because the AGPA's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy examined only research conducted in therapy or counseling groups. Leveraging the research in the broader field of group dynamics may have altered or refined the suggestions that Leszcz andKobos (this issue, pp. 1238-1260) would make to the vignettes.…”

“…A major challenge will be incorporating the findings of the emerging empirical research into the AGPA's Clinical Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy so that clinicians will be informed by the most up-to-date research findings. My hope is that both the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy and illustrations like the ones provided by Leszcz andKobos (this issue, pp. 1238-1260) will be regularly updated.…”

“…1225-1237) provide concrete examples of when and how to use the CORE Battery-Revised in our ongoing psychotherapy groups. Molyn Leszcz andJoseph Kobos' (this issue, pp. 1238-1260) clinical vignettes bring to life the application of the AGPA's Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy by showing us how the guidelines can inform our clinical decision making.…”