The concept of presence in group psychotherapy: an operational definition.
OBJECTIVE
The paper aims to operationally define the concept of presence, as developed and exhibited by the therapist leading a psychotherapy group, and illustrated with case examples.


CONCLUSIONS
A group therapist, who addresses tangible, basic group survival needs, while integrating knowledge of psychotherapeutic processes, authentic and effective interpersonal communications, and genuine concern for individual members and the group as a whole, is best situated to enact presence in the context of group psychotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Establishing presence can be achieved in a systematic way with an understanding of the meaning of being present at each step in the development of the group psychotherapeutic process.
Division of Nursing Research and Education, Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA. rcraneokada@gmail.com
Rebecca
R
Crane-Okada
D057179:Advanced Practice Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing / Q000628:therapy*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D013811:Psychotherapeutic Processes; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group / Q000379:methods*