In recent years, group therapy has become very common, and there is also a common myth that psychotherapy groups are only suitable for women. In fact, groups are effective for both women and men. What is group therapy? What is the essence of the method? What are their benefits? What are the benefits specifically for men? Let's go in order. Group therapy is a psychotherapeutic method used to solve various psychological problems (behavioral, personal, emotional, interpersonal, etc.) due to factors of group dynamics. Any man in a psychotherapeutic group will behave exactly the same as in life. Therefore, you can clearly see where it is successful and what still needs to be adjusted. Psychotherapy in a group strives to ensure that any man, having come to the group, can solve not only his unique problems and needs, but also be able to: improve his adaptation in society (team, family), take risks for his life and his loved ones; understand yourself and relationships with other people; understand the patterns of interpersonal interactions; “mature” in the process of group therapy and upon completion be a harmoniously developed personality. What are the advantages of group therapy over individual therapy? There are not so few of them. Participation in a group is often cheaper than individual participation. Typically, payment for one group session costs from 50% to 80% of an individual session with a psychoanalyst. Some specialists adhere to this rule, while others charge the same fee as for an individual appointment. Each specialist decides for himself how much his services cost and how he justifies this cost for himself. It is worth considering that training in psychoanalysis and group analysis is quite expensive. Psychoanalysts need not only to study theory at a university, but also to undergo personal analysis, practical training in group therapy, and supervision. During the same time, a group analyst in a group helps several people at once, and not just one, as in individual therapy. Social learning is well expressed, this allows you to better understand how other people see you, understand which image of a man is the most optimal and achieve your ideal. There is more reality in group therapy, which allows you to more effectively use varied feedback for your development. A very important advantage is the exchange of experience between participants. Those who are more successful can share their positive experiences and have the opportunity to support others in their improvement. It is also worth remembering that any excellent method also has its limitations and contraindications. Group psychoanalysis also has its disadvantages. Groups are most effective for almost healthy people. In the treatment of severe mental disorders and strong accentuations, achievements will be quite modest and will take a long time. Not all people can work effectively in a group; yes, they are at the proper level of mental organization; yes, they have no contraindications; but, if they have personal character traits that do not allow them to work effectively in a group. Sometimes, some men feel too good in a group and do not see the point in transferring their positive experience to real life. The group becomes more real than anything else. Sometimes this resistance cannot be overcome and then it is necessary to complete the therapy of such a participant. Group analysis is not only developing and becoming more accessible to an increasingly larger audience, but is also growing professionally and theoretically. If you still have questions about group therapy, I will be happy to answer them. Mikhail Ozhirinsky - psychoanalyst, group analyst.