The Visible and Invisible Group (Maresfield Library)

Author: Yvonne M. AgazarianPublisher: RoutledgePaperback:ISBN 10: 1855751194ISBN 13: 978-1855751194Hardcover:ISBN 10: 0367329093ISBN 13: 978-0367329099Understanding the psychodynamics of groups has derived from the two separate strands of theory and practice, resulting in two separate disciplines: group psychotherapy and group dynamics. Present-day group psychotherapy derives mainly from psychoanalytic theory and Bion's early experiences with wartime groups, and has been developed from the work of clinicians who practice group psychotherapy as a form of treatment. Group dynamics theory and practice, on the other hand, have arisen largely from the work of social scientists like Kurt Lewin, have been researched in the field and in the laboratory, and have been applied to groups as arenas for leadership training and behavioral change. The Visible and Invisible Group synthesizes these psychoanalytic and group approaches to group life and offers practical guidelines to the group psychotherapist. The authors advocate the simultaneous use of two perspectives: the psychoanalytic perspective for observing the "visible" group of people and their interactions, and a General Systems "Field Theory" perspective for observing the "invisible" group-as-a-whole. From the Back Cover Understanding the psychodynamics of groups has derived from two separate strands of theory and practice, resulting in two separate disciplines: group psychotherapy and group dynamics. Present-day group psychotherapy derives mainly from psychoanalytic theory and Bion's early experiences with wartime groups, and has been developed through the work of clinicians who practice group psychotherapy as a form of treatment. Group dynamics theory and practice, on the other hand, have arisen largely from the work of social scientists like Kurt Lewin, have been researched in the field and in the laboratory, and have been applied to groups as arenas for leadership training and behavioural change. The Visible and Invisible Group synthesizes these psychoanalytic and group dynamic approaches to group life and offers practical guidelines to the group psychotherapist. The authors advocate the simultaneous use of two perspectives: the psychoanalytic perspective for observing the "visible" group of people and their interactions, and a General Systems "Field Theory" perspective for observing the "invisible" group-as-a-whole. They also suggest changes in leadership style appropriate to different types of therapy groups, different patient populations and different group events. About the Author Yvonne M. Agazarian teaches, trains, and consults internationally. She is the founder of the Systems-Centered Training and Research Institute. In 1997 she received the Group Psychologist of the Year Award from Division 49 of the American Psychological Association for her involvement in research, publication, teaching and training. She is the author of several books, including Systems-Centered Therapy for Groups (1997) and Visible and Invisible Group (1995).