Psychodynamic group psychotherapy

J. Scott Rutan, Walter N. Stone

"The volume begins with a concise history of group therapy. Chapters then move methodically through such essential issues as mechanisms and processes of change, patient selection, group composition, and patient preparation and group agreements. Special leadership issues are addressed, including the use of cotherapists and the practice of combining group work with other forms of treatment. The expression of affect is considered in depth, with attention to such phenomena as emotional contagion, projective mechanisms, and nonverbal communication. Also presented are approaches to dealing with "difficult" groups or members, as well as guidelines for facilitating successful terminations. Bringing the volume up to date, references have been revised throughout, many new clinical examples have been added, and a separate chapter is now devoted to time-limited groups. Another entirely new chapter will be particularly useful in teaching and supervision. It provides an extended clinical illustration with commentary from both authors, illustrating the differing, equally valid perspectives that two seasoned therapists might bring to the same case." "An ideal professional resource, this book will be valued by group therapists at all levels of experience, as well as other mental health practitioners interested in working with groups. It serves as a text in graduate-level courses and clinical practica."--BOOK JACKET.