The Therapy of Friendship

Abstract

In rediscovering clinical sociology, the therapeutic aspects of some former investi gations offriendship become evident. Moreover, sociologists and other scholars have long noted that the relationship of friendship contributes to mental health. Con sequently, they have developed various interventions to promote friendship, from describing and quantifying it to designing programs to help the friendless. This article introduces the background upon which I designed groups to promote the development of friendship.

Helping and change without traditional therapy: Commonalities and opportunities

“…and differences (asymmetry, role training, goals, rights and obligations, etc.) between the two are reviewed in Gurdin (1986). The comparative examination of therapy and friendship (Derlega, Hendrick, Winstead, & Berg, 1991;Reisman & Yamokoski, 1974) may potentially enhance both relationships and cross-fertilize the knowledge from social and counseling psychology fields.…”

“…Friendship has been studied throughout antiquity from a number of disciplines and perspectives (for a review see Gurdin, 1986). For instance, from an existential perspective, friendship has been considered as therapy for human loneliness and alienation (Lepp, 1966).…”