The Visible and Invisible Group : Two Perspectives on Group Psychotherapy and Group Process

Agazarian, Yvonne ; & Peters, Richard

ISBN 10: 0710006926 / ISBN 13: 9780710006929

Published by Routledge & Kegan Paul, London, 1981

About this Item

22x14cm, x,292 pp. "Understanding the psychodynamics of groups has derived from the 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 from 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 behavioral change. The Visible and Invisible Group synthesizes these psychoanalytic and group 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 theory groups, different populations and different group events. This volume is based on more than ten years of experience by the authors as co-therapists. .,." - publisher's description. Minor rubbing. Embossed name stamp to title-page. VG., dustwrapper.

Seller Inventory # 024629

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Visible and Invisible Group : Two Perspectives on Group Psychotherapy and Group Process
• Publisher: Routledge & Kegan Paul, London
• Publication Date: 1981
• ISBN 10: 0710006926
• ISBN 13: 9780710006929
• Binding: orig.cloth
• Seller catalogs:
  • Group Psychotherapy

About this title

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.

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.