This article outlines factors within the group therapy environment that operate during the stages of recovery suggested by Prochaska and DiClemente. The degree of denial lowering during the contemplation stage will vary with the degree to which therapist empathy and positive regard, group acceptance, identification with other group members, self-disclosure, caring group members, and task-oriented group members are present in the group. These factors will also interact with and facilitate group cognitive-behavioral interventions during the action and maintenance stages of recovery.
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