Synopses & Reviews
Review
"Can you improve on a classic? The answer is a resounding yes, judging by this fourth edition by Rutan and Stone, now accompanied by Shay. This is a lively, pragmatic book that nonetheless does not sacrifice the theoretical and historical depth of the prior work. It is a book for both the beginner and the expert, one that is user friendly, wise, and scholarly, and that draws on decades of expertise. I can hardly wait to recommend this book to my psychiatry residents, psychology interns, and their supervisors."--Anne Alonso, PhD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School "This latest edition of what is now a classic in the group psychotherapy literature offers a highly readable overview of psychodynamic group psychotherapy. It outlines a clear structure that should appeal to the beginning student. More senior clinicians will appreciate the breadth and depth of content. The authors capture the complexity of group psychotherapy and the many variations of psychodynamic approaches. I recommend this book as the basic text for students of group psychotherapy wherever I teach. It should also be on every group therapists reference shelf."--Eleanor F. Counselman, EdD, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School "This fourth edition presents an extraordinary array of information on the current theory and practice of psychodynamic group psychotherapy. It includes one of the most comprehensive treatments I have seen of the evolution and theoretical underpinnings of group therapy. It also clarifies how various psychoanalytic theories, such as those dealing with attachment and self psychology, contribute to understanding group therapeutic processes. Both new and experienced group therapists will welcome this book for its rich insights into all the major aspects of group therapy, from member selection to termination. The many case examples beautifully illustrate practice principles; notable among them is the extended record of a session with commentary by each author. Undoubtedly, this book will be widely used as a text in courses on group therapy."--Charles Garvin, PhD, School of Social Work (Emeritus), University of Michigan "This is the definitive textbook on psychodynamic group psychotherapy. Everyone conducting groups should read this book. Practical and scholarly, it contains the wisdom of seasoned clinicians who share their knowledge of 'why' and 'how-to.' Whatever your orientation, this book provides roots from which to grow as a group leader. The richness and depth of the material is outstanding."--Judith S. Tellerman, PhD, ABPP, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago "Firmly rooted in the study of group dynamics and psychodynamics, this contemporary classic provides a comprehensive survey of our rapidly developing field. Three of the most experienced group therapists in the country share their grasp of complex theoretical issues and clinical insights in straightforward, simple language, making this book suitable as both an introductory manual and a stimulating text for senior practitioners."--Earl Hopper, PhD, CGP, MInstGA, private practice, London, UK "A truly up-to-date edition of a standard textbook in the field, this volume informs the clinician about both theory and practice. It incorporates the breadth of psychoanalytic theory, from classical thinking to newer psychodynamic models that incorporate attachment theory, intersubjectivity, relational theory, and mentalization. The new chapter on frequently asked questions is a virtual 'everything you wanted to know about groups but were afraid to ask.' This book is a 'must' for every clinicians library."--Howard D. Kibel, MD, Department of Psychiatry, New York Medical College
Review
"Very informative for the beginning group therapist. The book was especially helpful because of its broad-based approach—with a number of theoretical perspectives considered to further the understanding and integration necessary in exploratory therapy. The eclectic stance was a change from other models of exploratory group therapy frequently taught in training programs. I would recommend this book to any psychiatry resident interested in becoming a group therapist."--Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes
Review
"The writing is clear and clean....That this excellence is maintained throughout a book by three different authors is a tribute to the quality of the collaboration. Difficult concepts are explained well and in depth, but without oversimplification. Clinical examples are used copiously throughout and invariably richly illustrate the point under discussion while avoiding extraneous details. The organization of the book is outstanding. Chapters end with a summary of a paragraph or two detailing the key points covered in the main text. The flow from chapter to chapter is smooth, but each chapter stands on its own and can be consulted beneficially if the reader has a specific question....A particular strength (and remarkable achievement) of the book is that if offers something for everyone, from the novice to the highly experienced. Complicated issues, which would challenge the most experienced of group therapists, are also extensively discussed. Working with patients with difficult character disorders is examined at length and illustrated by many helpful clinical examples. Dealing with the disruptive group member, always a challenge, is covered....There is no doubt that the fourth edition of Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy by Rutan, Stone, and Shay is an essential part of the library of every group psychotherapist. This is an excellent book."--International Journal of Group Psychotherapy
Review
"Since the publication of the first edition, this wonderful book has been the most valuable single volume on psychodynamic group therapy. Our culture has changed at a staggering rate; the fifth edition takes into account the impact of social media, public policy, and neuroscience research, bringing the field up to the moment. This book belongs in the library of every therapist, from beginning student to seasoned clinician."--Hillel I. Swiller, MD, Director, Division of Psychotherapy, Mount Sinai School of Medicine
"This is one of the most comprehensive and up-to-date works on psychodynamic group therapy available. The fifth edition incorporates the latest theoretical developments in group therapy and theory, illustrating these with outstanding clinical examples. It is very readable without oversimplifying complex issues, and references the many, ever-expanding practice settings in which group therapy is applied. This book will be useful to all the professions that engage in group therapy, and can be used in both beginning and advanced classes."--Charles D. Garvin, PhD, School of Social Work (Emeritus), University of Michigan
"A 'must' for those learning the basics of group therapy and for experienced clinicians seeking to integrate contemporary developmental theories, neurobiological findings, and sophisticated group interventions. The authors emphasize dynamic approaches, but all group leaders, regardless of orientation, can benefit. Readers will learn how interpersonal difficulties develop and how group therapy has the potential to change lifelong perceptions of self and others and alleviate human suffering. I have used this text for over 10 years in my graduate courses; the fifth edition includes recent research findings, additional dynamic approaches to group treatment, and new clinical vignettes. It is a true gem that I will continue to rely on for training the next generation of group therapists."--Cheri L. Marmarosh, PhD, Professional Psychology Program, The George Washington University
"I have used Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy in teaching and find it to be a valuable resource to help graduate-level trainees gain a good grasp on group dynamics. Nuanced and yet succinct, the book elucidates the fundamentals of group functioning and equips the future practitioner to create an environment in which group members can connect with others in healing and meaningful ways. The fifth edition draws on contemporary research and neurobiology to demonstrate that human, face-to-face interaction is still necessary for creating well-being, even in our era of proliferating technology."--Alexandra Watkins, LMHC, CPRP, Adjunct Faculty, Counseling and Psychology Department, Lesley University
Synopsis
This widely adopted text and clinical reference covers the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of setting up therapy groups and making them work. Coverage includes mechanisms and processes of change, patient selection, leadership issues, combining groups with other forms of treatment, and dealing with "difficult" patients.
Synopsis
This widely adopted text and clinical reference covers the "whats," "whys," and "how-tos" of setting up therapy groups and making them work. Coverage includes mechanisms and processes of change, patient selection, leadership issues, combining groups with other forms of treatment, and dealing with "difficult" patients. One of the text's most popular features is a chapter-length case illustration with commentary from each author.
Synopsis
Regarded as the definitive practitioner reference and text, this accessible work addresses all aspects of setting up therapy groups and making them work. A wealth of clinical material illustrates the components of effective group therapy and the mechanisms and processes of change. Practical topics discussed include patient selection and preparation, leadership issues, communication of affect in groups, dealing with "difficult" patients, time-limited groups, and facilitating successful terminations. A chapter-length case example with commentary from each author brings an entire group session to life and explores ways to handle common dilemmas.
New to This Edition
*Incorporates current theory (psychodynamic and interpersonal), which is grounded in clinical and neurobiological research
*Every chapter revised and updated.
*Chapter-length case example is entirely new.
*Chapter on Frequently Asked Questions includes many new issues.
About the Author
J. Scott Rutan, PhD, is a past president and Distinguished Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. He founded the Center for Group Psychotherapy at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a cofounder of the Boston Institute for Psychotherapy. Having left his long-time position on the faculty of Harvard Medical School, Dr. Rutan is now a senior faculty member at the Boston Institute for Psychotherapy.
Walter N. Stone, MD, is Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Currently, he is a clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco. He is a Distinguished Fellow and past president of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, and past chair of the Group Psychotherapy Foundation. Dr. Stone's broad-ranging interests in group psychotherapy include the application of self psychology and dynamic treatment of chronically mentally ill persons. He has published more than 50 articles, book chapters, and books relevant to group training, dynamics, and psychotherapy, including Group Psychotherapy for People with Chronic Mental Illness.
Joseph J. Shay, PhD, CGP, is on the staff of the joint McLean Hospital/Massachusetts General Hospital training program and is an instructor in psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Formerly, he was the director of psychological services and training at a private treatment clinic in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Dr. Shay has published numerous articles and book chapters and has coedited, with Joan Wheelis, Odysseys in Psychotherapy and, with Lise Motherwell, Complex Dilemmas in Group Therapy.
Table of Contents
1. Groups in Todays Society
2. History of Small-Group Theory and Practice
3. Group Dynamics and Group Development
4. Therapeutic Factors in Group Psychotherapy
5. Mechanisms and Processes of Change
6. Forming a Group
7. Patient Selection
8. Patient Preparation and the Group Agreements
9. The Role of the Group Therapist
10. Beginning the Group
11. Special Leadership Issues
12. Expressions of Affect in Group Psychotherapy
13. The Therapeutic Process: A Clinical Illustration
14. Difficult Groups and Difficult Patients
15. Time-Limited Psychodynamic Groups
16. Termination in Group Psychotherapy
17. Frequently Asked Questions