This article examines how Black churches serve as therapeutic groups and thus provide a source of psychological support to African American communities. Group theory is used as a conceptual framework to discuss the findings from 7 focus groups conducted in Black churches in the New York metropolitan area. Implications for counselors working with clients involved in the Black religious tradition are discussed.

A theory of belonging is used as a framework for analyzing and interpreting focus group data from 7 congregations in the Black church tradition. Findings suggest that church membership may reflect the need to belong with a group rather than to a group. Within this context multiple dimensions of the self as interdependent and independent, as well as same and different, find opportunities for expression. Positive therapeutic outcomes in affect, cognition, and behavior result. Implications for research, practice, and training are given.