This work originates from an interest of the Observatory group in exploring different associations dealing with groups: what theories inform their practice? What questions do they try to answer? Where do they find their origin and how much resonance can be found among group therapists, in spite of different affiliations? This paper will be followed by other papers aiming at describing and reviewing Italian journals on groups, so as to broaden the reader's knowledge while stimulating new lines of thought. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]