Process parallels in related groups

The theoretical basis for the repetition of themes in related groups is addressed by describing similar processes in four systems: inpatient psychiatric ward, inpatient psychotherapy group, supervisory group, and group psychotherapy division. The principles of general system theory help explain process parallels in allied groups and illuminate group process.     

Concurrent individual and individual-in-a-group psychoanalytic psychotherapy

This paper's thesis is that concurrent individual-in-a-group and individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy can be conducted in conformance with psychoanalytic principles of treatment as well as can individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy alone. American psychoanalysts have shown little interest in group psychotherapy, probably because of earlier criticism that transference is diluted by the greater reality of the therapist in group psychotherapy. This is a misconception extrapolated from the mirror model of dyadic analytic technique. The criticism was formulated during a period when that model was prominent and there was little awareness that the actual personal relationship between patient and analyst played an important facilitating role in the dyadic analytic process, including providing a basis for investiture of transference. Also, the criticism was based on one-session-per-week group psychotherapy, whereas concurrent individual-in-a-group and individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy utilizes two group sessions plus one or two individual sessions per week, enabling a more intensive patient-therapist relationship. Concurrent group and individual psychoanalytic psychotherapy constitutes a contribution to the widening scope of application of psychoanalytic treatment.     

Therapist gender and the same-sex puberty age psychotherapy group

Puberty is considered to be the most difficult developmental period to conduct psychotherapy. Group psychotherapy has special appeal for pubescents because of the anxiety experienced in individual psychotherapy with adults, and the mutual identification and support experienced with groups of same-sex peers. Although pubescents readily form cohesive groups, the emotional stress for the group therapists is intense and many therapists are reluctant to take on such groups. Close attention to the principles of developmental ego psychology suggests that pubescent groups will be more effective if conducted by group therapists of the same sex as the patients.     

Reflections on group treatments as corrective experiences for addictive vulnerability

This article addresses how and why groups help people with addictive disorders feel better and change. It advances the position that problems in self-regulation and the psychological suffering that ensues are at the root of addictive disorders. Group work is especially effective in addressing these problems, providing a means of relief, and examining co-occurring characterological problems. The evolution of these ideas and the generation of a model for group therapy for substance abusers are traced over a 30-year period, and a list of principles about how and why group treatments work is presented. In addition, a number of advantages that group psychotherapy has over 12-step programs for some patients are provided. Group psychotherapy is presented as a unique corrective emotional experience.     

Confidentiality and privileged communication in group psychotherapy

The concept of confidentiality is fundamental to all forms of psychotherapy. The idea of protecting confidential material goes as far back as the Hippocratic Oath in ancient Greek history. Centuries later, authors continue to assert that "only by maintaining confidentiality can the essential groundwork of trust in treatment be developed" (Hough, 1992, p. 106). Others have even argued that without confidentiality, psychotherapy has no value (Epstein, Steingarten, Weinstein, & Nashel, 1977). Confidentiality in group psychotherapy is more complicated than in individual therapy because self-disclosure is at the core of group therapy and there are numerous people hearing the disclosures. Confidentiality in group therapy, once ignored in the literature on ethics, is gaining more attention as this modality becomes more widely practiced; so too is an acknowledgement that ethical dilemmas surrounding confidentiality in groups are commonplace. This article discusses the major considerations and dilemmas on confidentiality in group psychotherapy. We first review confidentiality broadly and discuss the ethical principles that are related to confidentiality. In the next section, we discuss the complexities of confidentiality in group psychotherapy. Finally, we review research on confidentiality in groups and describe common ethical dilemmas.     

The integration of methods in residential psychotherapy]

The trend toward integration of psychotherapy into general medical practice has, especially in inpatient treatment of neurotic diseases, led to the development of psychotherapeutic systems, the differences of which are largely dependent upon both clinical conditions and therapeutical objectives. The author, in the light of ten years of practical experience with group psychotherapy of patients living in a hospital, gives a schematic outline of the Berlin system of integration of methods, discussing the system with reference to Kabanov's four basic principles, namely, the principle of the partnership of doctor and patient, the principle of the differences in efforts and effects, the principle of the unity of efficacy of methods, and the principle of the gradual transitions between methods and procedures. A detailed discussion is given of the gradual transition principle by reference to the phase-specific procedure of group psychotherapy and the methods of treatment coordinated therewith.     

Comparison of Dreams in Individual and Group Psychotherapy

This article gives specific reasons and evidence why group psychotherapy is the treatment of choice for addictions. Utilizing object relations theory and the self-psychology of Kohut, the authors present a model of group psychotherapy that combines these perspectives with those of Yalom's interactional group psychotherapy. Agreeing with Kohut and other object relation theorists, the authors view addiction as a condition that is the result of a person's misguided attempts at self-repair because of deficits in psychic structure. Vulnerability of self is the consequence of developmental failures and deprivation. Substance abuse only exacerbates this condition leading to exaggerated difficulty in regulation of affect, self-care, and characterological pathology. Abstinence is usually required as the first step in arresting this process and establishing a treatment regimen that will allow the vulnerabilities of the self to be altered and restored. This article suggests that this recovery and treatment process is best accomplished in a group therapy setting that is conducted within the guidelines of the principles of object relations theory and a modified version of Yalom's interactional group therapy format.     

The democratic therapeutic and training communities of the Open Psychotherapy Centre: A multifactorial communal approach

This paper describes the structure, function and effectiveness of a multifactorial communal approach which is applied in the therapy department and the four training institutes of the Open Psychotherapy Centre in Athens. The therapeutic philosophy of this approach is based on the principles of group analysis, therapeutic community and emprosopon psychotherapy which are applied in combination with each other.     

The Widening Gulf: Group Therapy Training and Traditional Training Models

The decline of training programs using traditional methods in group psychotherapy training may correspond to a static growth in membership and certifications in the two recognized national group associations. In addition, the increasing distance of group therapy from family therapy, two modalities that utilize group principles, may further illustrate the isolation of group training from the reality of today's practice. New ideas are needed for training programs to combine the varieties of group practice and settings, and the various practitioners, with standards of competency. A three-tiered training model may serve as an example of a training model that moves in a much needed, new direction.     

In search of the unifying principles of psychotherapy: conceptual, empirical, and clinical convergence

The search for the principles of unified psychotherapy is an important stage in the advancement of the field. Converging evidence from various streams of clinical science allows the identification of some of the major domains of human functioning, adaptation, and dysfunction. These principles, supported by animal modeling, neuroscience, and developmental psychopathology, along with new theoretical constructs, are demonstrating that human functioning is best conceptualized as holistic and highly interrelated at all domain levels of the total ecological system. Incorporating these findings with evidence accrued over the past century of psychotherapy practice and study allows psychologists to begin to explore the development of a unified system of psychotherapy that is rooted in the clinical sciences. One such attempt to develop a unified framework is presented as a starting point. ((c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).     

The effectiveness of collaborative story building and telling in facilitating group cohesion in a college classroom setting

This study tested the notion that the construction and telling of a collaborative group story would facilitate the development of group cohesion within the context of an actual classroom setting over the duration of the course. Participants were 125 students in 8 classes (4 experimental, 4 control) of a group psychotherapy course that focused on the principles and techniques of cognitive behavior therapy in conjunction with psychodrama techniques. Results showed significantly higher cohesion scores in the experimental condition compared to the control condition, suggesting that collaborative story building and telling is a viable strategy for improving group cohesion.     

History of psychotherapy in Russia and the Soviet Union]

Previously, articles on and contributions to the history of psychotherapy proceeded on the assumption that the most essential sources were to be found in Anglo-Saxon and German literature. Developments in other civilizations were usually treated as undeserving of consideration. It is important to note that a large amount of specialized literature on psychotherapy has been published in the Soviet Union, and this shows that a great importance is attached in that country to the treatment of nervous and mental disorders by psychological methods. A review of the writings of S. S. Korsakov and V. M. Bekhterev shows that the essential principles of group psychotherapy had been recognized by those authors already in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, respectively. Results achieved by Makarenko appear valuable in the light of what we know today. The method of "collective psychotherapy", which was first described by Libch, is discussed in detail. This method is being widely used in the Soviet Union. The concern of this paper is to describe developments which have not so far been covered in our literature, thus attempting to make an addition to psychotherapeutic activity in this country.     

The Value of Integration: Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Meets Ego Psychology in a Psychotherapy Group for Children

ABSTRACT

Psychotherapy integration requires us to look beyond the confines of a particular theoretical or technical approach towards other perspectives. Integrative work with children, in particular, meets the socio-emotional needs of the child while simultaneously modeling behaviors and skills. This paper presents an explicitly integrative approach to child group psychotherapy: Relationships. Individuals. Skills. Engagement (RISE) Group. We begin with an in-depth discussion of the RISE group structure illustrated by clinical examples (the “what”) followed by a review of the theory and treatment modalities that inform the approach (the “why” and “how”). The RISE group is grounded in two theoretical perspectives (psychoanalytic principles and ego psychology) and draws upon clinical techniques from multiple treatment modalities (including cognitive behavior therapy, psychodynamic play therapy and dialectical behavior therapy). Combined, the merger of these perspectives results in a multilevel intervention that forges pathways to mastery and competence within the child. Finally, we discuss the value and limitations of integration as applied to group psychotherapy for children.     

Creating mother and baby therapy groups in prison: emotional valuation

Mothers in prison are at high risk of depression and other mental health issues and yet access to therapeutic services is limited. This paper describes the development by the author of two prison therapy groups: one for pregnant women, the other for mothers and their babies. Called the ‘Born Inside’ project, both groups are currently held in Bronzefield Prison, Surrey. The theory and principles behind the project are discussed, as well as the processes and practicalities involved in providing the therapy and specialised support to the women and their vulnerable infants. In addition, principles of forensic psychotherapy in relation to this specific prison population are described, and the situational and emotional challenges faced are illustrated through narratives of group members.     

精神科住院患者团体心理治疗准备性会谈与治疗后访谈初探

精神科住院患者团体心理治疗较门诊患者团体心理治疗存在临床情境的特殊性,本研究探索将准备性会谈与治疗后访谈纳入治疗计划,治疗前向患者普及住院治疗、心理治疗的知识,澄清团体心理治疗的形式、目标、内容,了解患者对团体心理治疗的疑问、期望,允许患者做出是否参加治疗的决定,并在治疗后的访谈中强化疗效因子。     

The causality principle of psychotherapy and supportive methods in group psychotherapy--reflections on the principles of method combinations

A causality principle of psychotherapy is offered, starting from a technologically orientated concept of psychotherapy as a process. Working from target, commencement, principles, and means, psychotherapeutic methods may be characterised. From these, rules governing the therapist's mode of conduct are arrived at. The causality principle provides a theoretic and practical basis for the integration of ancillary methods into various therapeutic concepts, and for therapeutic teamwork.     

The Effectiveness of Collaborative Story Building and Telling in Facilitating Group Cohesion in a College Classroom Setting

Abstract

This study tested the notion that the construction and telling of a collaborative group story would facilitate the development of group cohesion within the context of an actual classroom setting over the duration of the course. Participants were 125 students in 8 classes (4 experimental, 4 control) of a group psychotherapy course that focused on the principles and techniques of cognitive behavior therapy in conjunction with psychodrama techniques. Results showed significantly higher cohesion scores in the experimental condition compared to the control condition, suggesting that collaborative story building and telling is a viable strategy for improving group cohesion.     

Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy with People in Abusive Relationships

Summary

Psychoanalytic perspectives on violence between partners is describedand forms a foundation for an approach to group and individual psychotherapy of men and women in relationships in which there is physical violence between partners. The empirical results of a study of the outcome of psychoanalytically oriented psychotherapy are described. Nineteen men and 16 women completed research measures before beginning psychotherapy and after completing 16 sessions of group psychotherapy. Twelve people who completed group psychotherapy continued in individual psychotherapy and completed measures again after 16 sessions of individual psychotherapy, and nine people completed measures again after the 16 sessions of group and 32 sessions of individual psychotherapy. Statistical analyses addressed outcomes in terms of verbal and physical aggression and dysphoric affects and anger. Both research and clinical outcomes are discussed.     

Voices from the Inaudible: The Patients Speak by Theodor Reik

Fifty-one inpatients, hospitalized on average for 21 days, were studied by means of discharge debriefing interviews. An unstructured, mandatory, and functionally heterogeneous psychotherapy group was compared with a structured, voluntary, and functionally homogeneous psychotherapy group. Statistical analysis of the patients' valuation of the group psychotherapy experiences and of their rankings of traditional group psychotherapy curative factors were performed. Results demonstrated that group psychotherapy was a highly valued component of the overall inpatient treatment. Structural modifications aimed at increasing the here and now, and interpersonal focus of the group meetings, such as the use of patient agendas and group rehashes, significantly affected the patients' group experiences. A comparison of both types of inpatient groups with an outpatient group psychotherapy sample suggests certain guidelines for the goal setting and conduct of inpatient group psychotherapy, recognizing the specific and heterogeneous needs and capacities of the patients treated.     

A Death in the Family: Report of a Single-Session Trauma Group for Nursing Home Residents and Staff

This article describes a single-session trauma-debriefing group conducted at a nursing home following the death of a resident on an outing. The group had as its core an existing weekly therapy group in the facility, with the addition of affected staff, family, and other residents who were on the outing. The treatment illustrates four principles relevant to counseling and psychotherapy in nursing homes: 1) recognition of death; 2) treatment in and of the milieu; 3) flexibility and structure; and 4) dealing with countertransference. Along the way, we see how the residents are capable of giving, and not merely receiving.