The use of confrontation in group treatment: Attack or challenge?

This paper considers the use of confrontation as a part of group treatment. When done carefully, confrontation leads to expanded awareness by the members and strengthens group cohesion. When done awkwardly, it leads to increased resistance and defensiveness. The author explores ways in which confrontation can be used to challenge discrepancies, distortions, games and smoke screens, and resistance. There is also a discussion of therapeutic guidelines for the practitioner.