Farmgirl "your focus is more on the other members than the therapist", this has been my experience also.

Tonight was odd in a couple ways. my T was finally back from overseas and I was so glad. I was also ashamed because I had faltered with SI and such. I wanted/needed her so bad, but didn't want to have to look at her directly for 2 hours. So I sat directly next to her. Something I've never done. I tried to act nonchalant about it, then found I really didn't have to act. She treated me no different than usual, and I got to make eye contact when i knew she was looking directly at me (aka, when I wanted to).

The other thing was that we were doing a sort of role play, as a demo of "how to... how not to..." and my T asked who would be comfortable volunteering. Well the other T raised her hand and mine went up before my brain could sort out what Other T was doing. I then thought SURELY one or two others would also volunteer. I was mistaken. So, I was play acting with the Other T (who i have been in group therapy with since May in a different group, so i kinda know her...) which was an interesting blend of nerves, my old acting days, GT's nerves which I could clearly see, and my own xanax :P But I liked it. I've not done that before.

I guess I say all this to say that GT has really different dynamics. I am strongly aware of both T's, and yet like farmgirl mentioned, the needs of individuals, and also needs of self within group, trump them. I don't think I had this awareness in my very first group a few years ago. T felt I was not able to self soothe enough for groups and knew she could not attend to me in person if i needed to leave. But I have grown some muscle since then, and like where I am at.

I hope it is a good experience for you.
hugs, kiya