In the 1960s and 1970s the phenomenon of group counselling reached its zenith. It was set up to help people discuss and work through their problems together. People were encouraged to come on a weekly basis and talk about their problems with the other members of the group experiencing the same type of problem. It fostered a support and shared understanding among participants. In many sessions, chairs were arranged in a circle so that all members could see each other and established an environment of equality, visibility, and mutual trust. This deliberate layout removed traditional hierarchies, prevented anyone from hiding in the back, and encouraged participants to connect with and learn from one another. These groups supported people dealing with alcoholism, drug addiction, anxiety, and depression etc. Usually, there was a trained professional to lead and guide the group. The basis of group therapy is the use of interpersonal interaction and peer support in a structured environment to facilitate psychological healing and behavioural change.
The history of group counselling has its roots in antiquity, but pioneer group-counselling practitioners included Joseph Pratt, Jane Addams, and Jesse Davis in the early 20th century. The primary pioneer was Dr. Joseph Hersey Pratt in 1905, who treated tuberculosis patients in Boston. He noticed that discussing common problems in a group setting had a profound, positive impact on their emotional well-being. Following this basis, the modern practice evolved as recently as the 1940s, where his successors build upon his teachings and developed groups to help military personal suffering from battlefield fatigue after World War II. People participating in groups could see that others were going through the same thing, which helped them feel less alone. Thus, the setting allowed people to practice behaviours and actions within the safety and security of the group. Group therapies proved so successful, that groups for diverse types of people and problems were begun. These practices are still the core basis of group therapies today. One of the most successful of these groups is Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). It is estimated that approximately 1.3 million people actively attend Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) in the United States, spanning roughly 62,000 registered groups and over 2 million world-wide.
In the Bible we learn that one of the names of Jesus Christ is Counsellor. The prophet Isaiah writes about the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ and speaks of the prophesy of his birth, Isaiah 9 verse 6, ‘For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.’ Among the titles he gives Christ is the title Counsellor. Jesus is the counsellor for those who trust in him. This is because Christ already knows the whole counsel of God, and, as far as is necessary, he reveals it to his followers. He is the great counsellor of his church and people in all their doubts and difficulties, in all ages and nations. This teaches us that Jesus Christ is our real and ever present counsellor. When problems come are way we should bring them to the Lord in prayer and ask for his leading. King David tells us in Psalm chapter 32 verse 8, ‘I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye’. The word guide is the same Hebrew word for counsel, he is saying ‘I will be your counsellor.’ That is the promise of God, I will guide you. So when doubts and difficulties crowd you it is good to turn to the one who knows all things and seek his counsel and guidance.
