Joseph Hersey Pratt is known as the creator of group therapy. In 1905, he began giving group instructional classes to recently discharged patients, as there was no other place for them in the hospital, with pulmonary tuberculosis. He began his group with eight patients. After facilitating the groups, he noticed the positive emotional impact of the group setting on his patients as it allowed them to share and connect over their common experiences and struggles.

In 1936, group therapy expanded and began practice in prison among inmates and in psychiatric hospitals among discharged patients. This was pioneered by Louis Wender and Paul Schilder. Later, group practice extended to drug and alcohol treatments, person with neurosis, and disturbed children.

I began my group therapy experience in my masters program with recovery groups. I continued giving group therapy at a local inpatient psychiatric hospital after graduating. The psych hospital is where my love and passion for group therapy cemented. I truly believe and see how group therapy can make therapy fun. Join one of my groups and come learn that you aren’t so alone or different in your struggles. We all share very common experiences. But also, come show someone that they aren’t alone by sharing your common experience and maybe make a friend in the process!