a group approach to the treatment of psychological, behavioral, and emotional problems that emphasizes the curative influence of exploring the interactions of group members, including the analysis of group events, experiences, and relationships. In this approach, the group serves as a social microcosm that provides corrective emotional experiences in the here and now via a therapist who acts as both a participant and an observer. The goal of the approach is to enable group members to gain valuable insights while learning to relate to each other and then to apply those insights in their everyday lives outside of the group setting. Also called interactive group psychotherapy. See also interpersonal theory.