Providing a cost-effective treatment model that is respectful of patients' needs, their strengths, and their limitations, this book presents the first dynamic and coherent approach to group treatment for the chronically mentally ill. By structuring members' variable attendance, the flexibly bound model, which utilizes group dynamic principles to maximize therapeutic opportunities, respects the actual behavior of many chronically ill persons, making this treatment format available to a broad portion of this population. Illustrated with numerous case vignettes, the book outlines the elements of supportive treatment and therapeutic goals and then describes in detail specific strategies and interventions.

The book provides new and experienced clinicians with generic models for the development of efficient and effective interactive groups able to deliver a wide variety of treatment options. It offers a comprehensive examination of the potential of group psychotherapy and an appreciation of time management in its utilization.

This volume presents a proven psychoeducational therapy approach for persons with severe mental illness and their families. Pioneering schizophrenia treatment developer William R. McFarlane first lays out the theoretical and empirical foundations of the multifamily model. Chapters coauthored with other leading clinician-researchers then provide detailed "how-to" instructions for forming groups; implementing educational and problem-solving interventions; managing clinical, relationship, and functional issues that may arise; and integrating psychoeducation with other forms of treatment. Also addressed are applications of the model--some described here for the first time--to a variety of disorders other than schizophrenia, including bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, borderline personality disorder, and medical illness.

Introduction to Time-Limited Group Psychotherapy is a basic text designed for the clinician who already has experience in individual psychotherapy. However, the breadth of perspective and discussion of therapeutic strategies should be of value to the more experienced psychotherapist as well. The book is divided into four sections. ? Section One deals with basic concepts regarding the small group. This section should aid the therapist in accurately recognizing group phenomena. ? Section Two presents the applications of the theories concerning time-limited group psychotherapy in a clinical setting. It emphasizes the importance of careful diagnostic and interpersonal assessment, group composition considerations, and pretherapy preparation in ensuring that a sense of "groupness" will emerge promptly. ? Section Three shows how to use the emerging relationships among group members as the vehicle to manage individual issues. In both Sections Two and Three, the current literature concerning brief individual therapy is applied to the group context. ? Section Four offers guidelines for integrating group psychotherapy into service and training programs. Special consideration is given to inpatient groups and long-term support groups.

An in-depth look at a much misunderstood practice, offering a fresh viewpoint on how this science can be a universally effective route to our better selves.

Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy (MCP) for advanced cancer patients is a highly effective intervention for advanced cancer patients, developed and tested in randomized controlled trials by Breitbart and colleagues at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. This treatment manual for group therapy provides clinicians in the oncology and palliative care settings a highly effective, brief, structured intervention shown to be effective in helping patients sustain meaning, hope and quality of life.

Bringing together treatment and referral advice from existing guidelines, this text aims to improve access to services and recognition of common mental health disorders in adults and provide advice on the principles that need to be adopted to develop appropriate referral and local care pathways.