The Interview:

Groups can be complicated. Group sizes and formats, their duration and meeting intervals, whether involvement in them is voluntary or not, their progress, and members' roles all contribute to group dynamics. The American Therapy Association and American Specialists in Group Work both recommend interviewing each prospective group participant to see if he/or she will fit into and benefit from the group.

The interview accomplishes three things:

1. Screens out psychopaths and sociopaths as well as those who are hostile, egocentric, domineering, or suspicious and those who possess inadequate ego strength for group dynamics.

2. Allows potential members to get to know the group leader (although a potential member may already be a client in individual therapy).

3. Lets the group leader explain members' rights and the group's goals and format.

Interview Questions:

As much as possible, the interview should focus on interpersonal functioning. Suggested questions include:

1. What is your earliest memory of your mother? Father?

2. Describe your best friends and what has become of them.

3. Have you experienced any group involvement? What was it like?

4. Tell about your memberships, work, and other involvements.

5. What is your last remembered dream?