Group Radical Openness: An Intervention for Overcontrol

This innovative book introduces Group Radical Openness (GRO), a group treatment for individuals who struggle with costly and harmful overcontrol.

The book opens with the background and evolution of GRO, followed by a thorough description of how to assess overcontrol. This novel group approach draws on both Group Therapy and Polyvagal Theory and encourages an entirely different way of working with this client group. It explores the concept of overcontrol, describing a pattern of distance in relationships, rigidity, and emotional inhibition. The 27-session group treatment leads the participants on a journey where they develop trust and safety with each other, show flexibility, and become more emotionally aware and expressive. Chapters feature engaging clinical examples and strikingly original exercises.

This book is aimed at clinicians looking for ways to effectively treat disorders characterised by excessive self-control, such as mood disorders, eating disorders, and certain personality disorders. This will be an important resource in a wide range of mental health and forensic settings.

Richard Booth, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, researcher and trainer. He is an Honorary Fellow of University College Dublin. He was Director of Psychology at St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services for 25 years. He currently focuses on training and supervision for Group Radical Openness.

Rachel Egan, D.Psych., Sc., is a principal clinical psychologist in St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services. She previously worked in the Irish Prison Service. Rachel is currently the clinical lead of the Group Radical Openness programme and she offers trainings and supervision in this intervention.