Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:03 29 November 2016 from the Couch to the Circle

Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:03 29 November 2016 From the Couch to the Circle From the Couch to the Circle: Group-Analytic Psychotherapy in Practice is a handbook of group therapy and guide to the group-analytic model – the prevailing form of group therapy in Europe. It draws on John Schlapobersky’s engagement as a practitioner and the words and experience of people in groups facing psychotherapy’s key challenges – understanding and change. It provides a manual of practice for therapists’ use including detailed descriptions of groups at work; accounts of therapists’ experience and the issues they face in themselves and their groups. It is devoted to the group-analytic model and brings the other psychody- namic models into a comparative discussion to create an integrated and coherent approach. The book is divided into three sections: Foundations – aimed at practitioners using groups of any kind and working at every level providing supportive psychotherapy and groups for psychosis, trauma, people at risk, the elderly and children; The Group-Analytic Model – defines the group-analytic model at a basic and advanced level; The Dynamics of Change – aimed at group analysts, psychotherapists and psychologists providing short-term psychotherapy and long-term group analysis. The book is illustrated with figures, tables and clinical vignettes including incisive, instructive commentaries to explain the concepts in use. It is intended for those seeking psychotherapy to resolve personal problems or find new sources of meaning; for policy-makers in mental health; and for students of different models of psychotherapy and the psychosocial field. The comparative discussion about methods and models of practice will be of interest to the wider mental health and psychotherapy fields. The author draws together the inherited wisdom of group analysis since Foulkes’s time Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:03 29 November 2016 and makes his own lasting contribution. From the Couch to the Circle will be an invalu- able, accessible resource for psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, psychologists, family therapists, academics, mental health practitioners and teachers in psychotherapy. John R. Schlapobersky is a Training Analyst, Supervisor and Teacher at the Institute of Group Analysis, London and Research Fellow, Birkbeck, University of London. He is in private practice at the Bloomsbury Psychotherapy Practice and works with individuals, couples and groups. He has trained generations of group analysts, teaches internationally and has many publications. This book is the professional life’s work of a leading British group analyst. The role of a conductor in a group-analytic group has always appeared . similar to that of a poet or writer in the community . receptive to the current problems of his time and creative in expressing them . to bring them nearer to the consciousness of those concerned. (Foulkes 1975, 1986:157) Group-analytic psychotherapy offers an incomparable instrument for understanding the group mind or psychology of the individual in the group . (and though) much weaker . than psychoanalysis will need to build a more substantial theoretical superstructure out of the process of communication, of mirroring, of configuration and of translation. (Anthony 1978:10) Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:03 29 November 2016 From the Couch to the Circle Incredibly rich in clinical vignettes, steeped in heart, mind and scholarship and faithful to how group therapy heals, Schlapobersky’s From Couch to Circle beau- tifully depicts how ‘the troubled group that each individual has within’ is played out among the other group members. A simple testimonial cannot do justice to this monumental effort that is destined to become a classic in the field. Prof Jerry Gans MD, DLFAGPA, Harvard Medical School, Distinguished Life Fellow, American Group Psychotherapy Association. Author, Difficult Topics in Group Psychotherapy This unique publication offers the next fine turning point in group education and practice. It covers the wide range of methodology and the complexity of group experience moving from one stage of disciplined work to the next buoyed with intellectual excitement and a deft touch of humor. It draws fluently upon the three ingredients of group: process, theory and practice and will delight Modern Ana- lysts encouraging both new entrants and the most experienced practitioners. Sta- tistics, theory and typology are used with wit and daring as John takes us from the most personal narratives in case studies to varied interpretations of theory offering vivid contrasts between schools of analytic investigation. Few books can achieve the dynamic pace and thrilling results that he uses to carry the reader from one chapter to another. Phyllis F. Cohen, PhD; FAGPA; National Chair, Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Health; Former Chair Center for Group Studies, New York; American Board for Accreditation in Psychoanalysis; Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:03 29 November 2016 Former Chair, Center for Group Studies John has amassed a rich harvest in the skills by which he applies group analytic theory and technique – a narrative art. Science is in the tabulations, careful catego- rization of diagnoses, treatment results, and illuminating figures. This book will interest and inform readers seeking an introduction and mature practitioners who want to revise their own experience and ideas. Rarely do we read a single author text written with the authority that derives from such rich experience as a practitioner and teacher who enjoys and is able to utilize the work of his students. The writing of former patients gives the final stamp of authority to his work in ‘The last word’. Malcolm Pines, MRCPsych., Founder, Institute of Group Analysis London, Formerly Consultant Psychotherapist, Maudsley Hospital, St. George’s Hospital, Tavistock Clinic. Author, Circular Reflections Everyone working with groups will benefit from this book from whichever ‘school’ they come and at whatever level of experience. It is a mine of informa- tion about group analytic ideas and how to use them presented accessibly and with an appreciation of their complexity. Theoretical material is compelling and enlightening. The massive strength of the book is the case material that drives it with engaging and often moving examples and incisive, consistently instructive commentaries. John shows acute clinical sensitivity and virtues as a teacher, deploying the concepts to make sense of clinical material . and using clinical material recursively to flesh out the theoretical concepts . a terrific way to work. Prof Stephen Frosh PhD, Professor of Psychosocial Studies, Birkbeck, University of London. Author, Hauntings: Psychoanalysis and Ghostly Transmissions John’s masterful exposition of Foulksian group analysis and other models gives us their underlying theories, principles and clinical applications in a jargon-free, beautiful language. There shines through the man the writer is: intellectually inquisitive, emotionally engaged and deeply humane in his contact with and care for his patients. This spirit exemplifies a passage by Foulkes quoting a patient saying, ‘What is essential is not what you do but who you are.’ The book extends this spirit for experienced and new practitioners and for students who will find it especially useful. It is relevant and accessible to a wide audience of professionals including teachers, social workers, administrators and – dare one hope – politi- cians. Their reactions would be as welcome as those of John’s former patients in ‘The last word’. Liesel Hearst, Training Analyst, Institute of Group Analysis, London; Supervisor and Founding Trainer, Institutes of Group Analysis, Denmark, Norway, GRAS Germany and ZGAZS Switzerland. Co-author, Group-Analytic Psychotherapy: A Meeting of Minds Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:03 29 November 2016 In his wonderfully well-written textbook John Schlapobersky does a great service for the field of group psychotherapy – a remarkable synthesis of accrued clinical wisdom, cutting-edge knowledge and thoughtful clinical application. The author builds articulate, eloquent bridges between individual and group psychotherapy; between members and leaders within the therapy group; between European and North American models of group psychotherapy and, most importantly, between depth theory and accessible technique. There is no better resource that brings together the worlds of group analysis and group psychotherapy. Prof Molyn Leszcz MD, FRCPC, DFAGPA. Professor and Vice-Chair, University of Toronto Department of Psychiatry, Co-author with Irvin Yalom, 5th edition, The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy This book provides ‘the state of the art’ in group-analytic practice and think- ing. A most experienced clinician shares his curative approach and interventions through a wide range of clinical examples in different, touching group experi- ences. It is a joy to learn from this master teacher – he is both a model for group therapists and a theoretical innovator. John’s interest in new formulations, new approaches and a humane way of relating to patients will help the reader grow. Students as well as experienced practitioners will find the text, the broad field it covers and the depth of its studies applicable to many of their own challenges in group therapy. Robi Friedman PhD., President, International Group Analytic Society; Former Chair, Israeli Institute of Group Analysis. Co-author,

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