Basics of Group Psychotherapy / Edition 1

by Harold S. Bernard PhD, K. Roy MacKenzie MD

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780898621174
Publisher:	Guilford Publications, Inc.
Publication date:	08/05/1994
Pages:	224
Sales rank:	1,042,716
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.69(d)

About the Author

Harold S. Bernard, Ph.D., is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Chief of the Group Psychotherapy Program, Division of Ambulatory Services, New York University/Bellevue Medical Center. He is Book Review Editor of the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy and a member of the journal's Editorial Committee. Coeditor of the Handbook of Contemporary Group Psychotherapy and the author of numerous book chapters and journal articles, Dr. Bernard is a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and was a member of its Board of Directors from 1991 to 1994. A past President (1991-1993) of the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society, he maintains private practices in both New York City and Westport, Connecticut.

Interviews

For all mental health professionals interested in group therapy, as well as students in postdoctoral training programs, psychiatric residents, psychology graduate students, interns, students of social work, psychiatric nurses, and marital and family counselors.

Editorial Reviews

"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 distinguishing features between exploratory and supportive group treatment. What should be the therapist's focus? What are danger signs to an individual or to the group? These and many more questions are examined in a clear fashion, with each chapter filled with practical ideas and suggestions highlighting issues pertinent to every group encounter. The numerous examples are addressed in a flexible manner, incorporating group-as-a-whole, interpersonal, and intrapsychic perspectives. The authors practical approach is not without theory, but the emphasis in this pragmatic volume is addressing the everyday problems that perplex beginning and seasoned group therapists alike."
—Walter N. Stone, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Also, past President of the American Group Psychotherapy Association.

"At last, a basic textbook for the teaching of group psychotherapy! This book is a must for all mental health professionals beginning their training in group psychotherapy. The authors in this volume have managed to succinctly and thoroughly address the salient issues of doing group psychotherapy. Present-day dilemmas such as patient and group selections, e.g., the issue of which group for what person at what time are addressed. Difficult situations which have never been explored in the literature, i.e., coping with a group that is diminishing in size, excessive self-disclosure by a group member, and extra-group socializing are explicated with a variety of management options suggested. The necessity for each group psychotherapist to adopt a sound theoretical framework is clearly stated with accompanying detailed and thoughtful examples of various theoretical orientations presented. It is truly a growth step for group psychotherapy that such a basic and fine book finally exists." —Bonnie J. Buchele, Ph.D., Director, Group Psychotherapy Service of The Menninger Clinic

"There are a plethora of methodologies in group psychotherapy. A textbook invariably reflects the bias of its author(s). So what is the neophyte to do? How can he or she study a text without being unduly influenced by its source? That dilemma now has a remedy, which is to use this manual. The seven chapters of this volume constitute a frame for study. They address the pragmatics of treatment in a generic sense rather than from the vantage point of any single approach. Multiple authorship has reduced the potential for bias. Here is the ideal companion volume for the fledgling group psychotherapist to use when exploring the literature and while beginning to practice on his or her own." —Howard D. Kibel, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, New York Medical College; Director of Group Psychotherapy, Westchester County Medical Center

"The text deals with practical, clinical issues in a theoretically consistent manner." —Joseph C. Kobos, Ph.D., University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio

From the Publisher

Reviewer: Elaine M. Scorza, MS, APRN, BC (Rush University Medical Center)
Description: This first edition provides a practical accessory to more detailed texts on group therapy and a useful tool in group therapy supervision. Its structure reflects thoughtful work on the issues encountered in considering as well as conducting groups.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide for new clinicians a complementary text depicting skills useful in conducting therapeutic groups. The book is a needed one, helping to bridge the gap between skills learned in supervision and more highly detailed works. The authors' objectives are well met.
Audience: This book is written mainly for the group therapy initiate, and it can be useful for a number of disciplines involved in training group therapists, such as physicians, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. It offers a brief, yet rich, source of information to build upon.
Features: The book could be enhanced by a few more illustrations, particularly the rating scales that are mentioned in the first chapter and described as used in evaluating the dimensions of patient selection criteria.
Assessment: The overall appearance of the book is good, and it is easy to read. The index makes finding particular items in a book of this nature easier to use and supports its use as a manual. It is a book worthwhile for both the student and the experienced practitioner who does not practice group therapy but may have need to consider it as a course of treatment for selected clients.

Doody's Review Service

3 Stars from Doody

This first edition provides a practical accessory to more detailed texts on group therapy and a useful tool in group therapy supervision. Its structure reflects thoughtful work on the issues encountered in considering as well as conducting groups. The purpose is to provide for new clinicians a complementary text depicting skills useful in conducting therapeutic groups. The book is a needed one, helping to bridge the gap between skills learned in supervision and more highly detailed works. The authors' objectives are well met. This book is written mainly for the group therapy initiate, and it can be useful for a number of disciplines involved in training group therapists, such as physicians, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. It offers a brief, yet rich, source of information to build upon. The book could be enhanced by a few more illustrations, particularly the rating scales that are mentioned in the first chapter and described as used in evaluating the dimensions of patient selection criteria. The overall appearance of the book is good, and it is easy to read. The index makes finding particular items in a book of this nature easier to use and supports its use as a manual. It is a book worthwhile for both the student and the experienced practitioner who does not practice group therapy but may have need to consider it as a course of treatment for selected clients.

Elaine M. Scorza

Seven contributions address the practical details involved in conducting group therapy, covering such topics as patient selection, developing structure, the therapist's role, and dealing with difficult patients and challenging situations. Intended for students as well as practicing psychotherapists and other mental health professionals. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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