Common Therapeutic Factors in Group Therapy for Substance Use Disorders

Yalom’s therapeutic factors (TFs) have been a focal point in therapeutic literature for over three decades. However, their specific application in group therapy for substance use disorders (SUD) remains underexplored. This review paper is divided into two primary sections. The first section offers a comprehensive review of the literature on TFs in general group therapy, highlighting empirical findings. The second section delves into the application of TFs in group therapy for SUD, with particular emphasis on 12-step programs and motivational interviewing groups. The paper concludes by discussing the implications for future development and enhancement of group therapy practices through the perspective of TFs.