Using unconscious needs and past experiences to prompt positive change is the purpose of group therapy. Not just for those with specific problems, group therapy appeals to well-adjusted folks who seek self-improvement. Nevertheless, since counseling groups may address neurotic (and in some settings, psychotic) disorders, group leaders typically hold advanced degrees in therapy, psychology, social work, or psychiatry. Dealing primarily with personal, career, educational, or other conscious problems, group therapy requires skilled, but less advanced, training. Group therapy is not long-term; resolutions are expected to come in a relatively short time. Basic types of groups can be divided into:

1. Natural - these are groups that develop on their own, including families, peers, friends, and gangs.

2. Formed - external factors give rise to these groups that are formed for a specific purpose.

3. Treatment - roles in these groups develop as group members interrelate, so communication is relatively casual and open-ended.

4. Task - with roles often assigned, task group communication tends to reflect the designated task.

5. Personal correction - personal correction groups include psychotherapy, therapy, employee, relief, and mutual help groups.

6. Personal enhancement - types of personal enhancement groups include personal and team development, life transition, and T-groups.

Gazda recognizes three types of groups:

1. Guidance - primarily for prevention of problems facing high-risk populations, guidance groups focus on improvement of life skills and overall direction of members.

2. Counseling - for secondary prevention and/or correction, these groups include encounter, sensitivity and organizational development groups.

3. Psychotherapy - psychotherapy groups are tertiary prevention groups with the purpose of reeducating, rehabilitating, and generally bringing members to healthy function.