Using the prospective approach as an adjunct to established models of group psychotherapy

Four models of group therapy-psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and existential-are discussed. Three features of these models are compared: the therapist's role, the establishment of a therapeutic alliance, and the working through of conflict. Despite their advantages, each of these models has certain limitations. Techniques derived from the prospective principles of caregiver-infant interaction may help overcome these limitations, resulting in additional insight about the relational patterns of the group members. This prospective approach supplements established models by facilitating a more rapid identification of latent conflict, as well as easing the working-through phase and the transition from conflict to a conflict-free state. In addition, the prospective approach promotes the integration of diverse models of group psychotherapy.