This established text presents a framework for integrating group psychology with psychoanalytic theories of object relations, the ego and the self, through the perspective of general systems theory. It defines and discusses key constructs in each of the fields and illustrates them with practical examples.

The 'anti-group' is a major conceptual addition to the theory and practice of group psychotherapy. It comprises the negative, disruptive elements, which threaten to undermine and even destroy the group, but when contained, have the potential to mobilise the group's creative processes. Understanding the 'anti-group' gives therapists new perspectives on the nature of relationships and alternative strategies for managing destructive behaviour.

Systems-Centered Practice presents a series of papers that trace the development of the theory of living human systems between 1987 and 2002. As the theory develops, so do the methods and techniques that put it into practice. The book also describes in detail the connection between the hierarchy of defence modification and the specific phases of system development that determine readiness for change. The papers in this volume contribute to our knowledge of the permeability of the boundaries between clinical and social psychology through the investigation of living human systems, and of systems-centered group and individual therapy. The author's considerable body of work constitutes a blend of creativity and learning of the highest order.

This book forms a comprehensive bibliography of the works of W. R. Bion, and the other works that made some bearing of his life and thought. It discusses Bion's contribution to various disciplines beyond the psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic.

The Third Eye provides a detailed and practical exposition of one of the most important but least documented skills required of those practising in the expanding discipline of group analysis. The relevance of the material, which is contributed from the dual perspective of both experienced practitioner and inexperienced trainee, extends far beyond its field of origin. It will be of significant interest to a wide readership of all those concerned with the training assessment and development of others working with groups.

Psychotherapy is a fast-growing profession and The Handbook of Psychotherapy offers a unique and comprehensive overview of its many aspects. The editors and contributors are all highly experienced practitioners who articulate, singularly or jointly, a particular viewpoint, approach or opinion to produce an overall perspective on psychotherapy today. Each brings a different emphasis to the relevant issues and the creative tension of this dialogue contributes to a lively and well-informed picture of theory and practice. Presented under five main headings - the nature of psychotherapy and its research, its culture, modalities, settings and issues - the book offers a rich source of information and reference. It has been written for all health professionals, including nurses and general practitioners; for social workers; for psychotherapists in training; for anyone considering psychotherapy as a career or seeking psychotherapy; for voluntary organizations; in short, for all those who need or wish to know more about psychotherapy. Petruska Clarkson is a consultant clinical psychologist, Head of School and Founder Director of both the metanoia Psychotherapy Training Institute and of metanoia Organisations International. Michael Pokorny is a psychoanalyst and psychoanalytic psychotherapist, past Chair of the UK Council for Psychotherapy and currently Chair of the Registration Board.

First Published in 1985. This informative volume examines the clinical research linking nor­mal separation-individuation with object relations theory and devel­opmental psychopathology. It focuses on the core problem-the lack of a concept of the self-integrated with object relations theory. By adding a theory of the self to object relations theory, the book both enlarges and more acutely focuses the therapeutic perspective, thereby enhancing work with patients. It also further enables therapists to clarify their own real selves. Dr. Masterson's thesis is that, for the real self to finally emerge from the symbiotic union and assume its full capacities, identification, acknowledgment, and support are required from the mother and father in early development and from the therapist in psychotherapy. Dr. Masterson describes and illustrates the therapeutic technique of communicative matching and provides the necessary acknowledg­ment while maintaining therapeutic neutrality. Part I reviews psychoanalytic theory of the ego and the emerging real self; its structure, function, development, and its psychopathol­ogy and treatment. Part II explores the relationship between maternal libidinal ac­knowledgment and the development of the real self by a cross­cultural comparison of child raising in Japan, Israel, and the United States. It then describes the influence of social and cultural factors on the functioning of the real self in the United States. Part III on Creativity and the Real Self draws upon fairy tales, Jean Paul Sartre, Edvard Munch, and the life and work of the novelist Thomas Wolfe to show how for some artists creativity becomes a crucial vehicle in their search to establish a real self. This section illuminates the nature of personal and artistic creativity and describes how a professional interest in the functioning of the real self leads inevitably to an interest in the ultimate of self-expression-creativity. Of special interest are the numerous case illustrations drawn from Masterson's extensive clinical work showing how acknowledgment and support enable the real self to fully emerge from the symbiotic union and to assume its full capacities.)

Object Relations and Self Psychology are two leading schools of psychological thought discussed in social work classrooms and applied by practitioners to a variety of social work populations. Yet both groups have lacked a basic manual for teaching and reference -- until now. For them, Dr. Eda G. Goldstein's book fills a void on two fronts: Part I provides a readable, systematic, and comprehensive review of object relations and self psychology, while Part II gives readers a friendly, step-by-step description and illustration of basic treatment techniques. For educators, this textbook offers a learned and accessible discussion of the major concepts and terminology, treatment principles, and the relationship of object relations and self psychology to classic Freudian theory. Practitioners find within these pages treatment guidelines for such varied problems as illness and disability, the loss of a significant other, and such special problems as substance abuse, child maltreatment, and couple and family disruptions. In a single volume, Dr. Goldstein has met the complex challenges of education and clinical practice.

First published in 1994. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.