The concept of elastic boundaries applied to group therapy with veterans over 60 years old.

This article develops the concept of elastic boundaries within a supportive model of group therapy for elderly patients with chronic medical and psychiatric illnesses in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center outpatient service. The rationale for deviating from established group boundaries in therapist and patient behavior is discussed in relation to group goals and Veterans Affairs culture. Systems issues in an external decision-making environment is explained as a negative influence. Vignettes are liberally shared to demonstrate how elastic boundaries as a concept developed within the group.