Group Dynamics in Therapy and Supervision

With contributions from Kaj J. Davidkin, Veli Matti Helminen, R. D. Hinshelwood, Leila Keski-Luopa, Esko Klemelä, Kari Kurkela, Pertti Muurinen, Esa Pursiainen, Marja-Leena Roine, and Ossi Takala.

Group Dynamics in Therapy and Supervision: Reaching the Unconscious demonstrates the many ways in which group psychoanalytic knowledge can be applied and where it already has been applied. It is divided into three parts. The first looks at theory, the second, at practice, and the third looks at working in a supervisory or consultant capacity. The aim of its authors is to expand knowledge and interest in group phenomena in our society. We are all members of a group and we all act as members of a group, even when we believe ourselves to be acting as individuals.

The book presents the tasks and roles group psychoanalysts can enact and how they can use group dynamics for the benefit of their members and organisations. It also provides a superb overview of group analytic and psychoanalytic theory and includes an interesting variation of themes and approaches: attachment, psychoanalysis, a full-length case study, vignettes, organisational psychology, the work of Bion, identity, forgetting, and emotions.

This is an invaluable resource to those already working with groups and useful insight for those wanting to learn more about what group dynamics, group psychotherapy, and group work entails.