A clinical report: The importance of leader preparation in the merging of two psychotherapy groups

Conclusion It is felt that our successful experience in merging two adult outpatient psychotherapy groups demonstrates that this is a workable procedure. It may be applicable in a variety of clinical settings, but could particularly serve the needs of psychiatric centers in facilitating service to the community as well as the training of therapists.In addition, certain other conclusions can be offered. The manner of preparation of the groups for the merger proved most important. Presenting this experience as a merger rather than a termination, and utilizing the existing group process were the means of working through the transition and developing a new group identity. It appears that multiple stresses may not be additive in their detrimental effects upon the group. The only stress truly unique to a merger is that of relinquishing the old identity while simultaneously acquiring a new one. Subsequent to resolution of the we vs. they issue, the group's development paralleled that of any other viable adult therapy group. It appeared that married, assertive patients, operating on higher social-economic levels, who had been group members for a relatively short period of time were more likely to dropout post-merger.The authors acknowledge the helpful advice of Dr. Milton Berger.