A model of group psychotherapy for persons with chronic mental illness is organized to provide members with some autonomy regarding treatment dosage and to address, within the group, problematic social relationships. Within this system, the therapist's application of self-psychological theory attends to members' efforts to change and grow (forward strivings) rather than to their repetition of prior traumatic relationships (expectations). Examples from established groups illustrate the therapist's attending to patients' strivings and “testing” to see if patients' cautious efforts to try new experiences are acknowledged and appreciated and, if so, whether there also is evidence of forward movement.