Analysis of Group Process in Marathon Group Therapy with Users of Illicit Drugs

Abstract

The Hill Interaction Matrix was used to measure the content and quality of interactions in a 12-hour therapy group of drug addicts. The group included six black and six white male clients and three therapists. The level of therapeutic work was measured by using four categories: conventional, assertive, speculative, and confrontive. The content of interactions was also measured by using four categories: topic, group, personal, and relationship. The group was characterized as highly confrontive, and the most therapeutic interactions occurred during the middle six hours of group time.