Working with Dreams in a Bereavement Therapy GroupMoss, Eric
doi: 10.1521/ijgp.52.2.151.45503pmid: 11928197
AbstractThere is ample theory and research about group therapy, dream work, and bereavement as separate subjects. However, there is little written specifically about utilizing dream work in bereavement therapy groups. Using the Foulksian group analytic model, dreams in one particular bereavement group (for parents of children killed in a terrorist action) were interpreted in such a way as to help members access deep unconscious feelings. This helped facilitate a fuller and more complete mourning process. The analytic, dream interpretive activity also helped overcome resistance in the group-as-a-whole and thereby facilitated movement through group development phases.
Women in Group and Women’s GroupsHolmes, Lucy
doi: 10.1521/ijgp.52.2.171.45495pmid: 11928198
AbstractFemale development is characterized by the introjection of maternal and paternal objects, which creates a rich internal world for women. However, the feminine tendency to become diffused in identifications sometimes results in women feeling overpowered in mixed-gender groups. The author advocates women’s groups for the traditionally “feminine” woman, that is, the woman who has a rather impoverished sense of self in terms of her internalized objects. Women’s groups are also helpful during adolescence, pregnancy, and menopause, milestones of female development. These are times when women are in profound crisis and may find it difficult to speak about these quintessentially feminine events in the presence of men.
Existential Issues in Group PsychotherapyFrankel, Bernard
doi: 10.1521/ijgp.52.2.215.45496pmid: 11928200
AbstractExistential issues in group psychotherapy derive from existential thought both as a philosophy and as a value system. Its origins derive from the weakening of traditional values and the growing alienation of man from himself. The unique features of existentialism can be applied to all forms of therapy. These features are universal to humankind. They are finiteness, aloneness, guilt, responsibility, and freedom. In including existential concerns as part of group psychotherapy, therapist and patients move more closely to bilateral relationships and subjective interactions.
The Demonstration Group: A Tool for Observing Group Process and Leadership StyleGans, Jerome S.; Rutan, J. Scott; Lape, Emily
doi: 10.1521/ijgp.52.2.233.45502pmid: 11928201
AbstractDemonstration groups, a major modality for observing group process, have not been addressed in the group psychotherapy literature. This article defines the demonstration group and describes and discusses its various components: the volunteers (group members) and their recruitment, the demonstration group itself, group member debriefing, and the didactic component. Discussion of the physical setting, group agreements, and boundary considerations, as well as leadership tasks, challenges, and pitfalls are illustrated with examples. Leadership tasks in demonstration groups are compared with those in therapy groups. Guidelines that are likely to promote successful demonstration group experiences are provided. The leader’s facility with the unconscious defense mechanism of projective identification is stressed.
Videotape Resources for Group Psychotherapists: A 5-Year RetrospectiveBrabender, Virginia
doi: 10.1521/ijgp.52.2.253.45506pmid: 11928202
AbstractThis review provides a discussion of the 14 videotape reviews that have appeared in the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy from 1996 through 2000. This retrospective analysis describes the recommendations made by the review authors concerning ways in which future video products may be enhanced to improve their instructional value. These recommendations include topics that might be given greater emphasis in future efforts as well as elements within the format of such tapes that aid learning and discussion.
Developmental Processes in Women’s Groups in ItalyCantarella, Giovanna
doi: 10.1521/ijgp.52.2.265.45500pmid: 11928203
AbstractThe observation of women’s groups in Italy has made it possible to outline specific developmental processes. Clinical illustration also suggests the emergence of specific group areas such as “interchangeability,” which are not seen in mixed-gender groups. The safe and confident atmosphere of interchangeability stimulates the relaxation of defences and self boundaries. As a consequence, it allows profound exchanges, which have an immediate impact in enhancing the sense of value and self-esteem of group members. Further therapeutic potentialities of “interchangeability” are described. Women in the here and now acquire the strength necessary for reexamining and psychoanalytically working through unconscious unresolved gender identifications and consequent problems in present relationships.