International Library of Group Analysis – serie

Earl Hopper, in his important, profound and well reasoned book introduces a fourth Basic Assumption (Incohesion) to the three Basic assumptions (of Flight/ Fight, Pairing and Dependency) introduced by Bion. Hopper's theory of Incohesion provides us with a new way of thinking about annihilation anxiety, which he discusses in terms of the unconscious fears of annihilation connected to the fears of separation.'- System Centered News'What we may learn most from reading Hopper's profound thinking presented in this surprisingly readable book is how he makes the bridge from his theory to the treatment of difficult patients. He identifies aggregation and Massification as a characteristic of regressed groups. In groups of the traumatized, however, where survivor guilt, and perhaps more important, survivor shame underlies the suffering, Aggregation and Massification are likely to be chronic.' - Yvonne AgazarianWorking within the traditions of Bion, Turquet, Foulkes and Pines, and drawing on concepts and data from psychoanalysis, group analysis and sociology, this volume develops Earl Hopper's theory of the fourth basic assumption in the unconscious life of groups and group-like social systems within a social, cultural and political transgenerational context. He argues that Incohesion: Aggregation/Massification or (ba) I:A/M (an acronym for 'I AM' - an assertion of personal identity when identity is under threat) is based on the fear of annihilation stemming from traumatic experience. With full respect for the constraints of the social unconscious, the personification of aggregation and massification by patients with crustacean, contact-shunning and amoeboid, merger-hungry characteristics, respectively, is illustrated with detailed clinical vignettes involving drug addicts, victims of incest and sexual abuse, and child survivors of the Shoah. Concluding with critical commentaries by senior British and American group analysts and psychoanalysts, this volume is essential reading for both analysts and their students.

In this text, Earl Hopper has made a major contribution to the understanding of the depth and breadth of individuals and how we might help them to know more of their patterns of relatedness with others, inter-personally, socially and culturally. Of particular note is the open honest manner of his consideration of his counter-transference and these can be clearly observed in the abundance of pertinent vignettes. This book draws attention to theory and practice in relation to a side of therapeutic work insufficiently attended to and will reward readers at all stages of professional development. It is written in a clear, accessible style and manages to convey complex ideas in a readily comprehensible manner'.The social unconscious and its manifestations in group analysis are the focus of this important new book of Earl Hopper's selected papers. Drawing on sociology, psychoanalysis and group analysis, he argues that groups and their participants are constrained unconsciously by social, cultural and political facts and forces. These hypotheses are illustrated with clinical vignettes concerning anti-Semitism, racism, the politics of class and gender, and the effects of rapid social change. Transference and countertransference processes are examined both vividly and honestly. Theoretically generative and clinically astute, this book will be of value to both analysts and their students.

This is a collection of original and insightful papers which, along with its companion volume Building on Bion: Roots, deepens understanding of Bion's contributions to theory and practice, and is invaluable to those who work with groups, in both therapeutic and management contexts.

Integrating cutting-edge relational theory with technique, this volume reveals the deeply personal nature of the intersubjective process of group therapy as it affects the group therapist and other group members. By locating the group therapist's experience in the centre of the action, Richard M. Billow moves away from traditional approaches in group psychotherapy. Instead, he places emphasis on the effect of the therapist's own evolving psychology on what occurs and what does not occur in group psychotherapy.Building on Bion's early theory of group and his later formulations regarding the structure of thought and the role of affect, this work expands on the present understanding of relational theory and technique. Through the use of clinical anecdotes the author is able to ground theory in the realities of clinical experience making this essential reading for group psychoanalysts and psychotherapists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, academics and students of psychoanalytic theory.

Integrating cutting-edge relational theory with technique, this volume reveals the deeply personal nature of the intersubjective process of group therapy as it affects the group therapist and other group members. By locating the group therapist's experience in the centre of the action, Richard M. Billow moves away from traditional approaches in group psychotherapy. Instead, he places emphasis on the effect of the therapist's own evolving psychology on what occurs and what does not occur in group psychotherapy.Building on Bion's early theory of group and his later formulations regarding the structure of thought and the role of affect, this work expands on the present understanding of relational theory and technique. Through the use of clinical anecdotes the author is able to ground theory in the realities of clinical experience making this essential reading for group psychoanalysts and psychotherapists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, academics and students of psychoanalytic theory.

`This is an extremely interesting book which succeeds in combining erudition with great clarity, respect of tradition with a refreshing search for new perspectives... It is also a book which sums up the work carried out in Italy and in France and often ignored by the Anglo-Saxon group analyst. In line with such work it links Freud, Bion and Foulkes within a group perspective.'- from the foreword by Malcolm PinesGroup explores the processes that take place within groups from a psychoanalytical perspective. Combining his own original concepts with a critique of established theories, Claudio Neri describes how groups are formed and develop, and analyses what non-verbal or extra-verbal phenomena are present in human communication, and how they occur in practice. The author uses examples from various art forms from around the world to show the universality of such human communication. Although it deals with difficult new ideas, the book contains user-friendly inserts within the text to explain particular concepts as they arise for those unfamiliar with the subject. A substantial glossary also provides explanation of the many complex terms used thoroughout the book.

Malcom Pines, a British psychoanalyst, is a disciple of S.H. Foulkes, the pioneer of group analysis. He was a founder of the Group Analytic Society and the Group Analytic Institute. A superbly lucid exponent of Foulksian theory, he edits the journal "Group Analysis", has edited books, written chapters and numerous papers. This selection of his papers is the first book devoted to his work alone. The subjects chosen include mirroring in the group and in child development; the borderline patient in the group; dissent and schism in the psychoanalysis and group analysis, as well as a history of dynamic psychiatry in Britain. One paper is on the sense of self and its continuity, while perhaps the most fascinating is entitled `What Should a psychotherapist know?' It is no coincidence that `group analysis' precedes 'psychoanalysis' in the subtitle: Pines considers it important and effective. This raises some questions; How can group members, themselves disturbed, help one another? How can group therapy be conducive to individuation? Pines' style is unique; based on arguements carefully constructed with the building stones of psychoanalytic theory, illuminated by sociology, philosophy, and by human understanding, it takes wings with literature and mythology. This book is a pleasure to read and re-read.'- Psychoanalytic Studies'This book is a wonderful testament to the outstanding work of an outstanding scholar, Malcom Pines. Collected by his colleague and friend, Meg Sharpe, this medley of papers by Dr. Pines not only offers a review of his considerable contributions to the field of group therapy and group analysis, but it also offers a warm and touching picture of the man himself - Throughout the text we are able to see the author's growth from superb student of his mentor (Foulkes) to brilliant independent theoretician... we are awed by Dr. Pines' comfortable familiarity with poetry and classic Greek literature and his ability to illustrate his points with both. The early articles show Pines' deep and early interest in the complex process of mirroring - both as an aspect of development and a tool of therapeutic change. He reminds us that Winnicott pointed out that "psychoanalysis has neglected the face in favor of the breast" (p.27)... I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from this book. Though covering a wide range of topics, there is a coherence to the book because it is all comprised of the work of an estimable scholar. There is also a bibliography of Pines' writings, which makes it a valuable addition to your library.'- Israel Journal of Psychiatry'Pines has selected a dozen articles from his lectures and extensive writings to include in this brief volume. Two had not been previously published. The initial section focuses on group analysis. The papers on mirroring and coherence I consider classics. The succeeding sections are a joy. Pines expands our awareness if the less obvious influences...The historical articles have a particular timeliness, as psychotherapy feels under siege.... In this collection of articles, Pines's integrative skills are not focused on clinical examples. Rather, he brings together diverse ideas, as he demonstrates in describing certain parallels in cultural/social change and Freud's career ambitions. This book is a gem. It is elegantly written. It will stimulate. I found myself reconsidering some of my own working ideas. Malcolm Pines has broadened our landscape. This book is well worth reading and rereading.'- International Journal of Group Psychotherapy'This book's modest title fails to convey the uniquely erudite, creative and wide-ranging nature of its contents. In this collection of lectures and essays by Malcolm Pines, a distinguished British psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and group therapist, all mental health professionals will find an amalgam of cogent philosophical, sociological, historical and psychological insights amassed over a period of four decades.'- Group Analysis'This book is a gem. It is elegantly written. It will stimulate. This book is well worth reading and re-reading.'- from the Foreword by Saul Scheidlinger'The papers cover the wide range of Pines' interests and scholarship including work on the phenomena of mirroring in groups, borderline processes and historical aspects of psychotherapy.'- Group Analysis'For many, Malcolm Pines personifies the institution of group analysis. He was one of the founders of the Group Analytic Society and the Institute of Group Analysis, and in this selection of his papers the depth of his mastery of social science, enriched with his knowledge of literature and philosophy, is clear. The collection includes work on the development of the psychoanalytic movement, its historical context, and the relationship of dynamic psychotherapy to psychoanalysis; and also focuses on mirroring, child development and healing.'- Changes

For many, Malcolm Pines personifies the institution of group analysis. He was one of the founders of the Group Analytic Society and the Institute of Group Analysis, and in this selection of his papers the depth of his mastery of social science, enriched with his knowledge of literature and philosophy, is clear. The collection includes work on the development of the psychoanalytic movement, its historical context, and the relationship of dynamic psychotherapy to psychoanalysis; and also focuses on mirroring, child development and healing.

Using clinical examples, the contributors demonstrate the 'good enough' healing power of carefully constructed and supervised groups conducted by therapists who apply both Kohut's self psychological concepts and those currently evolving from intersubjectivity throughout the world. Among the topics covered in this volume are:-the recent advances in hermeneutics, self psychology and intersubjectivity theory-the universal need for a group object-Kohut's thinking on archaic and mature twinship-the applicability of new infant research-the need to examine early childhood multiple cross-cultural selfobject and traumatic experiences within transferences-the utilization of a co-therapy model-and how to create optimal group environments.Mixing new theoretical developments with clinical research and practice, Self Experiences in Group breaks new ground and illustrates how these concepts can be applied to work at infant, child or adult level.

This book is an important introduction to the theory and practice of adapting self psychology ideas to the analytic group setting.'- Group Analysis, The Journal of Group-Analytic Psychotherapy'Harwood, who is from the United States, comes together with Pines, who is from England, to edit this well-organised and well-written book... This book has an intimacy to it. One gets the feeling that the authors are a group unto themselves. They quote each other and influence one another, despite their coming from the United States, Italy, Norway and England. they are bold contributers to modern self-psychology who take on Freud, Kohut, Stolorow and others inculding themselves... As a woman, Irene Harwood's perspective is refreshing. One is immersed in hearing about Freud and Kohut and how they practive in their office. Then on to Stolorow, Lachmann, and other men who are doing dyadic therapy. Dr Harwood brings the reader into the real world of working moms and child-care workers, other cultures where the extended family presides, and to war, where traumas take place and reperation does not happen therapists' offices.'- The International Journal of Group Psychotherapy'This is the first book published which has attempted to apply the self-psychology of Kohut to group psychotherapy. With a distinguished selection of international contributors the authors discuss the application of the basic theory to the realities of current group pschotherapy ppractice. A succinct chapter by Harwood outlines the elements of self-psychology and how these have developed and been modified in recent years. She also demonstrates by reference to clinical vignettes how the group is a rich setting for the exploration of self-psychology concepts. An important chapter by Silvers on the co-therapy model stresses the value of introducing various aspects of co-therapy which allow for examination of the multiple-selves and the relationships to significant others in the network of successive care-givers. The book is one of a series in the recently introduced International Library Of Group Analysis. I cannot reccomend it too highly for its clarity and the depth of its intellectual understanding on the topic.'- British Journal Of Psychiatry'The first collection of papers dedicated to linking the ideas of self psychology with the practice of group psychotherapy... a very good introduction to this topic. It covers an interesting range of topics: Kohut's own views, intersubjectivity, group self, infant research, the notion of cure, the relationship between self psychology and group analysis, among others. Newcomers to the field of groups will find good starting points (especially in the chapter by Pines), while experienced practitioners will find much to be stimulated by in the rest... Those of you with an interest in group psychotherapy should familiarise yourselves with its content.'- Psychoanalytic StudiesUsing clinical examples, the contributors demonstrate the 'good enough' healing power of carefully constructed and supervised groups conducted by therapists who apply both Kohut's self psychological concepts and those currently evolving from intersubjectivity throughout the world.Among the topics covered in this volume are:the recent advances in hermeneutics, self psychology and intersubjectivity theorythe universal need for a group objectKohut's thinking on archaic and mature twinshipthe applicability of new infant researchthe need to examine early childhood multiple cross-cultural selfobject and traumatic experiences within transferencesthe utilization of a co-therapy modeland how to create optimal group environments.Mixing new theoretical developments with clinical research and practice, Self Experiences in Group breaks new ground and illustrates how these concepts can be applied to work at infant, child or adult level.

In this critique and extension of the work of S.H.Foulkes, Farhad Dalal presents a thorough contemporary appraisal of the theory of group analysis and its relevance to psychoanalysis as a whole. The author argues that Foulkes failed to develop a specific set of group concepts, relying instead on the traditional individualistic framework of Freud. The book explores why Foulkes failed to escape from the orthodox mother-infant paradigm and offers a new post-Foulkesian interpretation of group analytic theory.Taking the Group Seriously is divided into six parts which trace the history of ideas behind group work, and draws on a wide range of subjects to support its thesis: not only psychoanalysis and group analysis, but also sociology, biology, chaos theory, genetics, economics, game theory and discourse theory. Using the author's practical group experience and including the latest ideas on the subject, this volume will be of interest to all those working in the field of psychoanalysis.

`This book, part of a series from the International Library of Group Analysis, explores how the theory of group dynamics can be transferred to different areas of counselling, education, small and large group psychotherapy and industry. As an introductory textbook, it aims to present the complex ideas underlying group processes - in particular, psychodynamic theory - in an accessible way using numerous practical examples and anecdotes. The author, an experienced social worker, emphasises the relationship of parts to the whole, looking at the connections between the individual and the group then moving outwards to explore broader social relationships.'- British Journal of Occupational Therapy`In a very short time, Sheila Thompson's book, The Group Context, has become the primary reference material for one of my supervision groups. Her understanding of the group pressures we all live with, and her descriptions of counselling in groups and larger groups, bring theory and practice alive. She looks with great clarity at experiential training, educational groups, teams, institutions, families and individuals.'- Counselling`What are the similarities and differences between group psychotherapy, group counselling, and educational group work? How does the group context determine the way we work with individuals? What do family groups have in common with other kinds of groups, and how does the family group context influence approaches to family therapy? What happens to the group dynamic when groups enlarge? These are the sorts of questions this book asks eloquently and thoughtfully. The questions are answered by means of detailed comparisons and contrasts backed up with illustrative vignettes...The beginner would be hard put to find a better introduction to the work of Foulkes and other pioneers of small group work; Bion, Ezriel, Whitaker, Agazarian, and Abercrombie. The philosophy of each is captured in a few simple paragraphs, leaving the reader to contemplate their respective merits and draw something from each...In the best sense of the term, it stands for a return to basics, an exercise in integrative thinking that provides the foundation for building techniques and methods of group work. It deserves a place in the library of any organisation that hosts groups on its premises. Students and teachers of psychotherapy and counselling will also appreciate its comprehensive sweep and reflective style.'- Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry`The beginner would be hard put to find a better introduction to the works of Foulkes and other pioneers of group work; Bion, Ezriel, Whitaker, Agazarian, and Abercrombie. The philosophy of each is captured in a few simple paragraphs, leaving the reader to contemplate their respective merits and draw something from each. In the best sense of the term, it stands for a return to basics, an exercise in integrative thinking that provides the foundation for building methods and techniques of group work. Students and teachers of psychotherapy and counselling will also appreciate its comprehensive sweep and reflective style.'@QUOTE SOUCE = - Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry'It would be a useful intoduction to anyone interested in working with groups in any setting or for a more experienced practitioner who wanted to update their thinking.'- British Journal of Clincal PsychologyThis introductory book describes the complex ideas integral to group work in a clear and accessible way so as to make them available to a wide readership. Sheila Thompson provides ways to understand the group process and then shows how that understanding can be applied both inside and outside purely therapeutic settings.Starting with the special situation of the psychotherapeutic group, and using models of group dynamics derived from group psychotherapy but valid in other group situations, she shows how concepts and techniques can be transferred from this setting to others - counselling and problem solving, experiential, training and educational groups, work teams and institutions - and from small groups to median groups to large groups, and then to work with families and individuals. Emphasising the relationship of the part to the whole, the individual to the group, the author shows how this concept can usefully be extended to situations where group work is not an option, and where the network remains invisible except for its presence within the mental processes of patient or client and in the interaction with the professional helper.The book will be useful to all those who wish to work more reflectively with their patients or clients.

Edelson and Berg use stories to present, reflect on and learn from experience. They contrast the stories we tell about individuals and interpersonal interactions and those we tell about groups and organizations, and when we most usefully tell which kind of story. The authors deplore the tendency to rely on individual psychology for understanding problems in groups or organizations and so, emphasizing the psychopathology of individuals, to blame them for what is going on.Their stories are about conflicts between individual and group, and how these affect the formation of a group and what it's like to be a group member. They are also about using and abusing authority; scapegoating; and perceiving, pigeonholing, and responding to members in terms of stereotypes of the other groups to which they belong (gender, race, ethnicity, and status).Finally, the book suggests the various ways different kinds of groups can be used to help people in distress. It also presents what goes into bringing about organizational changes to help people who are trying to do their jobs in less than optimal conditions.

The author focuses on how to provide effective individual treatment within psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic groups, and examines the structural properties of such groups as organizational entities in their own right. The book is divided into two main parts, covering foundations and applications. The former looks at the history and epistemology of the grouping process, considering both practical and philosophical questions. The latter looks at specific psychoeducational and psychotherapeutic uses of the group medium, from which the reader can expect to gain both an in-depth understanding of the human grouping process and a practical knowledge of how to organize, facilitate, and manage collective treatment regimens. The final chapter of the book considers the logistics of small-group participation and the mythic roots of small-group culture. Although each chapter can be read as a discrete unit, they are linked and sequenced by recurrent motifs, consistent structural analyses, and a generalized perspective about collective dynamics.

At last, a book on therapy which is easy to read and jargon-free, yet manages to convey the richness of the group experience.'- Penelope Campling, British Journal of Psychiatry'It is vitalising reading - and should be on the shelves of any psychotherapy department and of any therapist with an interest in groups.'- Chris Evans, British Journal of Medical Psychology'The purpose of this short, highly readable and extremely informative book is "to provide the reader with a practical insight into the group-analytic method of group therapy". The book achieves this goal through a format that is interactive with the reader.'- Jerome S. Gans, International Journal of Group PsychotherapyA Workbook of Group-Analytic Interventions is designed to complement the academic and experiential training of therapists. Written by experienced practitioners, it gives trainees a practical insight into the ways in which group analysts may tackle difficult situations, allowing them to understand more fully the nature of intervention right from the beginning of their training.Eight situations drawn from real psychotherapy groups are presented in detail so that readers may exercise their own skills in taking decisions and judging appropriate interventions. Each situation is then analysed in depth by one of the authors, who describe and comment on the thinking behind the interventions suggested by a panel of group analysts.The book gives the trainee a wide and informed appreciation of different situations arising in groups and appropriate ways of handling them. It provides an excellent base from which to start to practise.

This book leads the author clearly and smoothly to a natural acceptance of the power of the group as therapist. The author's extensive experience in the field, together with her academic training and curiosity, has enabled her to weave the contributions of past and present theorists and practitioners into her thesis with masterful ease. No pretentious professional jargon obstructs our immediate grasp of the material; she builds her arguments from the basic to the sophisticated in clear and simple language, accessible to all.'- Israel Journal of Psychiatry'This is a brilliant exposition written in a deceptively simple style. It is a must!'- Patrick de Mar'Slowly group-analytic ideas and methods are contributing to the humanizing of psychiatry and to the great good of civil society. This book is a contribution to that process.'- Malcolm PinesIn this clear and accessible text, Rachael Chazan argues the case for the classical analytic group and demonstrates its potential benefits. She applies the model to couples and multiple family groups, and groups with psychotic and borderline personalities, using illustrations from her own extensive clinical experience. In the final chapter she examines the role of the analytic group in ethical relating, and the development of a sense of justice and moral sensitivity in the light of the theories of Money-Kyrle and Piaget. Her thought-provoking conclusion is that the analytic group differs from Kant by replacing his listed codes of duty with empathy and reciprocity.

Dreams told in the group are conjoint individual and group creations. They are both influenced by the group atmosphere and may in turn influence it and the individual, promoting change and development. Dreams have a deepening effect on therapeutic work and, due to their unconscious content, they may represent the most authentic exchange between individual and group.This state-of-the-art book provides help for therapists encountering a dream told in their group. It covers the major theoretical perspectives for their understanding, as well as representing different psychological schools and their approaches to the technical issues of group dream therapy. Despite the variety of sources, the clinical approaches described complement each other, and the book details many case studies, including a first dream in the group, an unconscious meeting between women and men, and other polarities within the individual and the group.

This book is an unusual collection of papers about Bion, the man and his attitude to group psychotherapy... What makes fascinating reading is the historical development of Bion's work. The earlier chapters set the stage for understanding how (and possibly why) Bion developed his understanding of group dynamics and group psychotherapy and will make Bion more understandable to the uninitiated.'- Stanley Schneider, International Journal of Group Psychotherapy'Bion's approach has generated a great deal of intellectual ferment, and it is to the editor's credit that this volume contains a number of substantial challenges to this approach, rather than simply being a homage to him.'- Harold S. Bernard, Contemporary PsychologyWilfred Bion's synthesis of the approach of classical psychoanalysis based on the individual with that of group dynamics has been of enduring influence. The distinguished contributors to this volume, who have either been closely or personally associated with Bion, or stimulated to research by his ideas, examine his theories and demonstrate that a later generation is still actively working with the implications of Bion's writings.

S. H. Foulkes was the founder of the group analytic school of group psychotherapy. This volume represents an introduction both to his work, and to the developments based on it. Amongst the subjects covered are the nature of the therapeutic process in the light of recent research in child development, the relationship of group analysis to psychoanalysis and the school of Lacan, and research into the results of group therapy. Included are the first three annual S. H. Foulkes lectures which explore his life, the historical significance of his work, and his advances in psychoanalysis, particularly in the realm of narcissism. Other papers explore the influence of Foulkes's ideas in Europe, showing how the systems of Jung and Freud can be integrated with group analysis. The book includes a clear and illuminating exposition of Foulkes's theories by Malcolm Pines.