While the loss of a loved one through either death, separation, or divorce is a normal human experience, it can arouse underlying conflicts that trigger pathological reactions. For clinicians working with individuals who suffer from such pathological grief, this volume integrates theory, practice, and research to describe a time-limited, interpretive group therapy approach. Demonstrated to be successful in a large-scale controlled clinical trial, the approach provides an innovative alternative to such traditional forms of treatment as individual psychotherapy or group counseling. The volume begins with a review of epidemiological data, an examination of specific issues such as the distinction between normal and abnormal reactions to loss, and a summary of major psychoanalytic theories of pathological grief. Also discussed are societal changes that have affected the resources available to loss patients. Then, a step-by-step description of the Short-Term Group Therapy Program is provided. It includes patient selection and preparation, group composition, and therapist technique. Clinical material illustrates themes and roles as they evolve from the beginning of treatment through termination. The clinical trial research that was conducted as part of the program is described in detail and its main outcome findings are discussed. In addition, results concerning the patient characteristic known as psychological mindedness and the process variable known as psychodynamic work are presented. Finally, the book addresses future directions concerning the group treatment of loss patients. This practical volume, with its detailed instructions and review of research results, will be an invaluable resource to all professionals in psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and nursing who are interested in group forms of psychotherapy and/or problems associated with loss. Clinical researchers will also find the book of interest, and it will serve as a valuable text for graduate level courses that focus on psychotherapy techniques, group psychotherapy, and approaches that deal with special patient populations.

"The volume begins with a review of epidemiological data, an examination of specific issues such as the distinction between normal and abnormal reactions to loss, and a summary of major psychoanalytic theories of pathological grief. Also discussed are societal changes that have affected the resources available to loss patients. Then, a step-by-step description of the Short-Term Group Therapy Program is provided. It includes patient selection and preparation, group composition, and therapist technique. Clinical material illustrates themes and roles as they evolve from the beginning of treatment through termination. The clinical trial research that was conducted as part of the program is described in detail and its main outcome findings are discussed. In addition, results concerning the patient characteristic known as psychological mindedness and the process variable known as psychodynamic work are presented. Finally, the book addresses future directions concerning the group treatment of loss patients." "This practical volume, with its detailed instructions and review of research results, will be an invaluable resource to all professionals in psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and nursing who are interested in group forms of psychotherapy and/or problems associated with loss. Clinical researchers will also find the book of interest, and it will serve as a valuable text for graduate level courses that focus on psychotherapy techniques, group psychotherapy, and approaches that deal with special patient populations."--BOOK JACKET.

The ideal resource for setting up and working with therapy groups Group therapy is an increasingly popular treatment modality for a variety of disorders and client populations. Essentials of Group Therapy provides both professionals and students with a clear overview of the group therapy process, its history and development, and the critical skills required for working effectively with groups. This valuable guide presents several models and techniques for setting up and leading a number of different types of groups, explained with a distinct practitioner focus. As part of the Essentials of Mental Health Practice series, this book provides information mental health professionals need to practice knowledgeably, efficiently, and ethically in today's behavioral healthcare environment. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as "Test Yourself" questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of Group Therapy focuses on the practical aspects of deciding when and for whom group therapy is effective, building groups for long- and short-term therapy, as well as support and self-help groups, and managing the issues that can arise as groups develop. The authors provide examples of how to handle leadership, training, and diversity, as well as ethical and legal issues in an effective and compassionate manner. Essentials of Group Therapy provides an invaluable reference for mental health students and professionals studying or working in any practice.

The Handbook of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy is a comprehensive reference guide for group practitioners and researchers alike. Each chapter reviews the literature and current research as well as suggestions for practice in the psycho educational arena, counselling, and therapy groups. The Handbook encourages the notion that the field is improved through increased collaboration between researchers and practitioners. Through a review of cutting-edge research and practice, the Handbook includes } 48 articles by renowned experts in group work } the history and theory of group work } topics across the lifespan } an entire section on multicultural issues } a variety of clinical problems and settings } appendices include the Association for Specialists in Group Work Training Standards, Best Practice Standards, and Principles for Diversity-Competent Group Workers The Handbook is divided into seven sections: Current and Historical Perspectives on the Field of Group Counselling and Psychotherapy, reviews and analyzes the many contributions and contributors that have made group counselling and psychotherapy a vital and potent treatment method. The chapter outlines review articles spanning four decades, and outlines the evolution of group themes over the last 100 years. Best Practices in Group Counselling and Psychotherapy uses research, theory, and group counseling experience to provide group leaders and researches with the most current and best practices in conducting group counseling and psychotherapy. Multicultural Groups follows the ASGW Principles for Diversity-Competent Group Workers and is intended to provide group leaders with essential information about different cultural groups and their world views, perceptions of groups, naturalistic healing methods, suggested group interventions, and implications for groups. Chapters cover Native-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and African-Americans, disabled persons, and gender and sexuality. Groups Across Settings includes examples of psycho-educational, counseling, and psychotherapy groups in a variety of settings. This section presents readers with theoretical and empirical support for group work in such settings as the Veterans Administration system, university counselling centers, and more. Groups Across the Lifespan consist of chapters across many age groups. For children and adolescents, cognitive and developmental issues are addressed. For adults, socialization and interpersonal issues are addressed, including separate chapters for male and female groups. Finally, a chapter on the elderly deals with cognitive, health, and life review issues. Special Topics Groups presents a continuum of different types of groups used to treat people with interpersonal and developmental issues, such as grief, substance abuse, depression, and others. Each chapter in this section provides definitions and descriptions of the issues along with theoretical and empirical support. Finally, Critical Issues and Emerging Topics attempts to reflect the zeitgeist and provide a glimpse into group interventions for the future. Emerging issues, such as online groups, prevention groups, and peer-led mutual help groups receive careful attention and analysis. The Handbook of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy, the first reference devoted to this emerging and rapidly growing field, is essential for academics, researchers, professionals, and librarians serving the group therapy community. There is no similar reference available, and it will prove a landmark volume for years to come.

Intended as the group therapy equivalent to Bergin and Garfield's The Handbook of Psychotherapy and Behavior Change. Renowned contributors offer a comprehensive survey of all empirical evidence concerned with process and outcome in group therapy. Contains both general considerations and applications to specific disorders and with determinate populations.

In this era of rising health care costs, the economy of group therapy has sparked a renewed interest among mental health professionals. Beginning with a review of group therapy's roots in psychoanalysis, Group Therapy in Clinical Practice moves on to discuss how modern group therapy can be successfully employed in a variety of hospital and medical settings. It includes the needs of special populations such as adolescents, elderly patients, HIV-positive and AIDS patients, patients who abuse substances, and trauma patients. In Group Therapy in Clinical Practice, 38 experts explore how this treatment modality can be used to its greatest effect in today's clinical setting and in the decade ahead.

Regarded as the definitive practitioner reference and text, this accessible work addresses how to set up therapy groups and make them work. A wealth of clinical material illustrates the components of effective group therapy and the mechanisms and processes of change. Practical topics discussed include patient selection and preparation, leadership issues, communication of affect in groups, dealing with "difficult" patients, time-limited groups, and facilitating successful terminations. A chapter-length case example with commentary from each author brings an entire group session to life and explores ways to handle common dilemmas. New to This Edition *Incorporates current theory (psychodynamic and interpersonal), and supporting clinical and neurobiological research. *Every chapter revised and updated. *Chapter-length case example is entirely new. *Chapter on Frequently Asked Questions includes many new issues.