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

292 pages. Glossary, bibliography, index. "Offers practical guidelines to the group psychotherapist. Advocates the simultaneous use of two perspectives: the psychoanalytic (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. Also suggests changes in leadership style appropriate to different types of therapy groups, different patient populations and different group events." - from dust jacket. Prior owner's name atop front free endpaper else unmarked. Light wear. Binding tight. Nice copy.

Seller Inventory # 511a8968

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Visible and Invisible Group: Two Perspectives on Group Psychotherapy and Group Process
• Publisher: Routledge Kegan & Paul, London
• Publication Date: 1981
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0710006926
• ISBN 13: 9780710006929
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good
• Seller catalogs:
  • Psychology

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.