Basics of Group Psychotherapy [Hardcover]

Filling a significant gap in the clinical literature, this unusually practical manual addresses the nuts-and-bolts issues involved in conducting group therapy. Featuring contributions from leading experts in the field, the volume covers everything from determining which patients will benefit from a group experience to step-by-step instructions for running group sessions as effectively as possible. A hands-on manual, the volume is also an ideal companion to a basic text on group psychotherapy.
Organized in a unique, logical sequence, the chapters begin with an explanation of how to select patients for a particular group intervention and how groups are composed. The different stages of group interaction over time are then covered in detail, as are the changing aspects of the therapist's role during the various stages. Setting forth basic principles of group technique--including the management of resistance, transference, primitive group dynamics, and countertransference--a clear distinction is drawn between the roles of therapists conducting group treatment and therapists working in other treatment modalities.

The editors are quite clear: 'Our intent is to focus on specific skills--on the nuts-and-bolts issues involved in running therapy groups. It is designed as a complementary volume to the standard group psychotherapy textbook.' (p.vii) The editors and six authors joining them are to be congratulated. Beginning group therapies, their supervisors, and the teachers of introductory group work courses will find this a useful volume.

Clinicians undertaking the tasks of forming and sustaining psychotherapy groups seldom have the luxury of being exposed to multiple groups. Many practical problems arise as they embark upon this enterprise. The editors of this book have addressed the everyday problems facing the group therapist. How do you select for groups? What are the practical limitations of selection procedures? Are there distinguishlCv