Suaad Moussa

Citation:

Moussa, S., "Group Psychotherapy in Egypt: Roots, Challenges and Future", XVIII Congress International Association for Group Psychotherapy & Group Processes IAGP, Cartagena Colombia, 18 July, 2012.

Date Presented:

Abstract:

The history of group psychotherapy in Egypt dates back to the late 1960s. Group psychotherapy in Egypt has witnessed the application of different therapeutic approaches that were subject to cultural, individual and group transformations and evolutions. Despite these long years of practice, the current situation of this field is not well recognized by a great number of Egyptian mental health professionals. This work will draw attention to the present status of group psychotherapy in Egypt in light of the foundation of the Egyptian Association of Group Therapies (EAGT).

One of EAGT priorities was to gather the information pertaining to the history of group psychotherapy practices in Egypt. This was achieved through interviewing the pioneer Egyptian figures in this field including the two main founders and their followers. Selected verbal quotations revealing interviewees’ personal experiences, challenges or transformations will be presented. Future expectations and provisional plans for group psychotherapy in Egypt will finally be discussed with regards to EAGT effort in this field.
Conclusion:
Group psychotherapy in Egypt has passed through several stages. The current emphasis is towards paving the role for a more structured approach while preserving our genuinity, one of the main targets of EAGT.