The working alliance, a healthy, realistic collaboration between therapist and patient, a relatively rational rapport, is stimulated by the group process. The presence of fellow group members reassures each individual and decreases dependence on therapists and the anxiety about passive submission to their apparent omnipotence. Challenges to an individual's characterological defenses are less threatening as it becomes apparent that these defenses are used by others. This is especially useful for borderline, narcissistic, and impulse-ridden patients with fragile ego resources.