Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy

From the Publisher

"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 therapist’s 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 clinician’s library."--Howard D. Kibel, MD, Department of Psychiatry, New York Medical College

Psychiatry: Interpersonal and Biological Processes

"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

International Journal of Group Psychotherapy

"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

W. Robert Aber

This second edition presents a cohesive theoretical framework for the practice of group psychotherapy from a psychodynamic perspective. The book also provides concrete advice on issues pertinent to patient selection, group maintenance, therapist intervention, and the management of often-encountered difficult patients. This book is intended to present a consistently psychodynamic approach to group therapy, drawing together ideas from many different but influential practitioners. This is a worthy objective because the commonalities among psychodynamic approaches are often obscured by partisanship. The authors have succeeded nicely in unifying a complicated field without resorting to oversimplification. The authors, who are well-known group psychotherapists, seem to have aimed the book primarily at practicing group therapists who are looking for a unifying theoretical and practical framework. This book would also be useful as a teaching text for advanced graduate students and psychiatric residents. There are very few texts available with this purpose and audience in mind. The references are pertinent and up-to-date. The book is of average attractiveness and is sensibly organized. This work fills an important niche and is unique in many important ways. Without sacrificing intellectual clarity, it unifies and organizes the theory that underlies psychodynamic group psychotherapy. In addition, it tackles squarely many of the practical issues related to patient management and therapist intervention faced by group therapists. For these reasons I highly recommend it.

From The Critics

Reviewer: W. Robert Aber, PhD(Rush Medical College of Rush University)
Description: This second edition presents a cohesive theoretical framework for the practice of group psychotherapy from a psychodynamic perspective. The book also provides concrete advice on issues pertinent to patient selection, group maintenance, therapist intervention, and the management of often-encountered difficult patients.
Purpose: This book is intended to present a consistently psychodynamic approach to group therapy, drawing together ideas from many different but influential practitioners. This is a worthy objective because the commonalities among psychodynamic approaches are often obscured by partisanship. The authors have succeeded nicely in unifying a complicated field without resorting to oversimplification.
Audience: The authors, who are well-known group psychotherapists, seem to have aimed the book primarily at practicing group therapists who are looking for a unifying theoretical and practical framework. This book would also be useful as a teaching text for advanced graduate students and psychiatric residents. There are very few texts available with this purpose and audience in mind.
Features: The references are pertinent and up-to-date. The book is of average attractiveness and is sensibly organized.
Assessment: This work fills an important niche and is unique in many important ways. Without sacrificing intellectual clarity, it unifies and organizes the theory that underlies psychodynamic group psychotherapy. In addition, it tackles squarely many of the practical issues related to patient management and therapist intervention faced by group therapists. For these reasons I highly recommend it.

3 Stars from Doody