Martin Weegmann - Böcker

The World within the Group is an original and ambitious endeavour to connect group analysis to philosophy, history, and modern social theory. The book argues that group analysis needs theoretical renewal to remain relevant, and that philosophy is a valuable resource for such thinking. In particular, the work of three philosophers is examined: Nietzsche, Dewey, and Gadamer, each being associated with "pragmatic-perspective" inquiry. The author demonstrates that group analysis is compatible with such inquiry, and that we understand and intervene from within the horizon of specific traditions of training and theory. Group analysis typifies an unremitting relational stance, valuing openness of dialogue, and moving in and out of the perspectival worlds of the participants. The book also offers a re-formulation of the concept of social unconscious, seen as a discursive world of production and articulation. Drawing on contemporary social theories, it chimes with the spirit of Elias's historical approach.

Permission to Narrate develops exciting new theory and explorations for group analysis. They are diverse in range and, from differing bases in theory and research, aim to cast light on how clients find voice and speak out in groups and the importance of rhetoric in the understanding of communication. It addresses the ways in which silenced, submerged and less confident voices emerge, finding permission and narration, often against the odds. Positioning and dialogical theory is used to show how such voices are caught up in and defined by discourses, and also how we can transcend the definitions and positions into which we are thrown. Accessible clinical and historical examples bring theory to life. Permission to Narrate also uses applied group analytic theory to consider the cultural role and rhetoric of monsters, and what these representations tell us about the position in which human beings conceive themselves. Also explored, using applied group theory, are the meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Quakers, both serving as remarkable examples of different, alternative group formations.

Group Therapy: A Group-Analytic Approach is a comprehensive introduction to contemporary group analytic theory and practice - the prevailing form of group therapy in Europe. Highly accessible yet meticulously referenced, theoretically rich, yet clinically vivid, it is an invaluable resource for all interested in group therapy, providing access to the very heart of working therapeutically with(in) groups.

Group Therapy: A Group-Analytic Approach is a comprehensive introduction to contemporary group analytic theory and practice - the prevailing form of group therapy in Europe. Highly accessible yet meticulously referenced, theoretically rich, yet clinically vivid, it is an invaluable resource for all interested in group therapy, providing access to the very heart of working therapeutically with(in) groups.

The World within the Group is an original and ambitious endeavour to connect group analysis to philosophy, history, and modern social theory. The book argues that group analysis needs theoretical renewal to remain relevant, and that philosophy is a valuable resource for such thinking. In particular, the work of three philosophers is examined: Nietzsche, Dewey, and Gadamer, each being associated with "pragmatic-perspective" inquiry. The author demonstrates that group analysis is compatible with such inquiry, and that we understand and intervene from within the horizon of specific traditions of training and theory. Group analysis typifies an unremitting relational stance, valuing openness of dialogue, and moving in and out of the perspectival worlds of the participants. The book also offers a re-formulation of the concept of social unconscious, seen as a discursive world of production and articulation. Drawing on contemporary social theories, it chimes with the spirit of Elias's historical approach. Considering social worlds markedly different, often incommensurable, with our own, the author provides accounts of the shifting social unconsciousness during the Reformation and revolutionary upheavals in England. The social unconscious generates ideals and exclusions, both model and abject figures, such as those of the witch, the model Christian, degenerates and other "dangerous classes". Returning to clinical concerns, the final two essays address the "narrative turn" in social sciences. The implications of considering persons as story-telling, metaphorical animals is explored, as is the inevitability that personal stories are infused by wider, cultural narratives. Society has changed considerably since Foulkes' day and the final chapter considers how group analysis can help contain as well as illuminate some of the complex issues we face in the modern world, and thus remain relevant.

Permission to Narrate develops exciting new theory and explorations for group analysis. They are diverse in range and, from differing bases in theory and research, aim to cast light on how clients find voice and speak out in groups and the importance of rhetoric in the understanding of communication. It addresses the ways in which silenced, submerged and less confident voices emerge, finding permission and narration, often against the odds. Positioning and dialogical theory is used to show how such voices are caught up in and defined by discourses, and also how we can transcend the definitions and positions into which we are thrown. Accessible clinical and historical examples bring theory to life.Permission to Narrate also uses applied group analytic theory to consider the cultural role and rhetoric of monsters, and what these representations tell us about the position in which human beings conceive themselves. Also explored, using applied group theory, are the meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Quakers, both serving as remarkable examples of different, alternative group formations. A chapter on revolutions, in England, France, and elsewhere, demonstrates the role of rhetorical re-definitions of society and an aesthetics of revolt. A semi-autobiographical chapter discusses different interpretations of Freud, over the years, while the final chapter argues that group analysis faces serious 'discipline anxiety' after its first sixty years or so. How it responds to such anxiety can be decisive in terms of our viability and continuing relevance as a discipline and practice. This book will be of interest to clinicians and academics, across disciplines including history, social psychology and cultural studies.

Psychoanalysis is often referred to a talking cure, but in this fascinating book it is the art of writing that is discussed and explored.Including contributions from a selection of leading therapists, the book shines a psychoanalytic light on the very process through which the discipline is described. It includes chapters on the idea of creativity, the issues around a therapist’s subjectivity, the challenges of describing trauma, as well as those of co-authorship. Psychodynamics of Writing will appeal to clinicians, therapists and anyone interested in what the process of writing means.

In the treatment of addictions and their psychological understanding, cognitive-behavioural and motivation approaches have been paramount. In contrast, the psychodynamic contribution has been muted. This book redresses this imbalance by bringing together a team of senior clinicians with psychotherapeutic backgrounds as well as extensive experience in addiction. Stress is placed on the diversity of psychodynamic understanding and its relevance to the everyday problems met by addicted individuals. The first theoretical part of the book is followed by examples from group and individual therapy, and the foreword is written by Dr Edward Khantzian. The Psychodynamics of Addiction will be of interest to psychotherapists who may lack experience in addiction, and to other clinicians working in the field - doctors, nurses and psychologists. Introduction - Review of Different Schools: Container and Contained: The School of Bion - The Application of Bowlby’s Attachment Theory to the Psychotherapy of Addictions - The Vulnerable Self: Heinz Kohut and the Addictions - Therapy: Dynamics of Addiction in the Clinical Situation - Psychodynamic Assessment of Drug Addicts - Individual Psychotherapy with Addicted People - Group Therapy for Addiction - Helping the Helpers: Psychodynamic Perspective on Relapse Prevention in Addiction - In Search of A Reliable Container: Staff Supervision in a DDU -Countertransference with Addicts - Addiction and the Family: Growing up with Alchohol or Drug Abuse in the Family - References - Index