Difficulties arise because patients are grouped together on the basis of similar symptoms, though their basic pathologies differ. The author discusses variations in practice of group therapy and difficulties that have resulted from them.

Mixing the sexes in a group does not lead to promiscuity among the members unless the tendency was already present, though often the frustrated erotic transference to the therapist becomes displaced to another member. Therapeutic groups in wartime for service personnel dealt with the specific threat of war to the members of the group; in peace the aim is to strengthen the individual to face future crises by improving his psychic balance.

Other questions discussed are the advisability of using an assistant therapist, the members' social contacts outside meetings, the presence of visitors, the addition of new members, and the comparison of group therapy with counseling, guidance, symptomatic treatment, and social gatherings.