The Functions and Place of Structured Groups in Psychodynamically Oriented Day Treatment for Personality Disorders

Abstract

The functions of structured psychotherapy groups in a psychodynamic group psychotherapy oriented day treatment program (DTP) are described. Structured groups help patients with personality disorders to reflect on themselves. Integration of structured groups helps contain patients, teaches them specific skills, makes treatment less intimidating, and provides material for unstructured groups. Structured groups reduce resistance, modulate anxiety, and support patients' disclosures. Rehabilitative groups help identify conflicts and deficits that contribute to the patients' difficulties. Issues raised in structured groups are explored in unstructured groups, making communication among the staff vital. Effective treatment relies on successful integration of structured and unstructured groups.

Keywords:

• Day treatment
• structured psychotherapy groups
• partial hospitalization
• personality disorders