Group Setting and Therapist Responsiveness: A Narrative Review

Although therapist responsiveness is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of psychotherapy, its role in group settings remains under-explored. This narrative review examines therapist responsiveness in group psychotherapy, exploring its theoretical basis, empirical evidence and practical implications. A narrative literature review was conducted using major academic databases, including PubMed, ProQuest, APA PsycArticles, ScienceDirect and PMC. The 11 included studies are primarily small-scale qualitative projects, including case studies, clinical vignettes, and thematic analyses. This inevitably limits the generalizability of the results. A cross-cutting thematic synthesis of these studies reveals five dimensions of group therapist responsiveness: empathy; creating a welcoming atmosphere; paying attention to subjective experience; personalizing interventions within the group context; and facilitating reflectivity and mentalization. The main limitations of the present study’s methodology are its unregistered status and the exclusion of grey literature. Future research should focus on developing validated measurement tools, conducting experimental studies, exploring cultural variations, and assessing therapist responsiveness in online group therapy settings. This narrative review emphasizes the importance of responsive therapeutic approaches in psychiatric settings and group psychotherapy, and highlights the need for further empirical research to refine theoretical models and enhance clinical applications.