The start of the 20th century marked a pivotal moment for psychological interventions as Joseph Hersey Pratt recognised the profound impact of shared experiences on individual wellbeing. Pratt noted that his care and instruction classes for a group of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis created a space where discussion of common difficulties could take place, fostering a sense of belonging to a group, a sense of not being alone [Ezhumalai et al., 2018]. And so began the development of therapeutic group interventions. But, concerns over doctor-patient confidentiality slowed the widespread adoption of this practice.

Post World War Two, a surge in the number of soldiers requiring psychotherapy propelled group therapy into the spotlight as a pragmatic approach to reaching more people with fewer resources [Britannica, 2019]. The publication of Ivan Yalom's theory and practice guidelines for group psychotherapy in the 1970s marked a turning point in the scientific and practical exploration of group therapy. Since this time, group therapy has firmly cemented its status as a widely utilised form of psychological intervention, employing diverse models such as psychoeducational groups, process-oriented groups and support groups.

While contemporary research underscores the efficacy of group therapy for a range of mental health concerns, from depression and anxiety to substance abuse and trauma, there has been a shift in focus. Modern approaches often focus on symptom-specific outcomes, ignoring the original benefits of group therapy - the emotional and relational curative mechanisms [Marmarosh et al., 2022].

Influenced by Seligman’s positive psychology movement, the current paradigm suggests that group therapy outcomes should not solely measure the reduction of psychopathological symptoms, but also gauge the impact on enhancing human strengths and optimising functioning. In this light, group therapy remains a valuable and versatile tool in the broader landscape of psychological interventions.