The Visible and Invisible Group: Two Perspectives on Group Psychotherapy and Group Process (International Library of Group Psychotherapy & Group Pro) - Softcover

Agazarian, Yvonne; Peters, Richard

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415037700 ISBN 13: 9780415037709

Publisher: Routledge Kegan & Paul, 1989

Synopsis

This work synthesizes the two main strands that make up current understanding of group work: group psychotherapy and group dynamics. The authors advocate the simultaneous use of these two strands and offer practical guidelines to the group psychotherapist.

About this title

From the Back Cover

Understanding the psychodynamics of groups has derived from two separate strands of theory and practice, resulting in two separate disciplines: group psychotherapy and group dynamics. Present-day group psychotherapy derives mainly from psychoanalytic theory and Bion's early experiences with wartime groups, and has been developed through the work of clinicians who practice group psychotherapy as a form of treatment. Group dynamics theory and practice, on the other hand, have arisen largely from the work of social scientists like Kurt Lewin, have been researched in the field and in the laboratory, and have been applied to groups as arenas for leadership training and behavioural change. The Visible and Invisible Group synthesizes these psychoanalytic and group dynamic approaches to group life and offers practical guidelines to the group psychotherapist. The authors advocate the simultaneous use of two perspectives: the psychoanalytic perspective for observing the "visible" group of people and their interactions, and a General Systems "Field Theory" perspective for observing the "invisible" group-as-a-whole. They also suggest changes in leadership style appropriate to different types of therapy groups, different patient populations and different group events.

About the Author

Yvonne M. Agazarian teaches, trains, and consults internationally. She is the founder of the Systems-Centered Training and Research Institute. In 1997 she received the Group Psychologist of the Year Award from Division 49 of the American Psychological Association for her involvement in research, publication, teaching and training. She is the author of several books, including Systems-Centered Therapy for Groups (1997) and Visible and Invisible Group (1995).

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge Kegan & Paul
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0415037700
• ISBN 13: 9780415037709
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 302