Group Dynamics in Therapy and Supervision

This valuable book presents the theory and practice of group psychotherapy and shows what can be achieved with psychoanalytic group psychotherapy and group work supervision, and why it is such an effective form of psychotherapy. It is the ideal introduction to group work as well as an informative and helpful guide for practitioners of all levels.

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.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

About the editors and contributors

Preface by Pertti Muurinen

Part I: Theoretical background of psychoanalytic group psychotherapy

1. Thoughts about groups: The idea of the group in Wilfred R. Bion’s late seminars
   Veli Matti Helminen

2. The destruction of thoughts: Combining Wilfred R. Bion’s two clusters of ideas
   Esko Klemelä

3. Psychodynamic containing in group therapy
   R. D. Hinshelwood

Part II: Psychoanalytic group psychotherapy in practice

4. Experiential learning in psychoanalytic group psychotherapy: Case report on a four-year group process
   Kaj J. Davidkin

5. The swing of emotions: Thoughts on sharing emotions in group psychotherapy
   Ossi Takala

6. The group therapist’s psychoanalytic attitude in art psychotherapy groups
   Marja-Leena Roine

7. Attachment relationships, epistemic trust and group psychotherapy
   Esa Pursiainen

Part III: Towards work communities and society

8. The different challenges of leadership and the expectations of the manager
   Pertti Muurinen

9. Feelings and actions in an organisation: A group psychoanalytic perspective
   Kari Kurkela

10. Identities under pressure in postmodern society
    Leila Keski-Luopa

Conclusion
Pertti Muurinen

Index

• Edited by Pertti Muurinen
• Edited by Kaj J. Davidkin
• Edited by Sinikka Vaara

'This important book highlights the significance of group therapy for suffering and developing humans. Based on Bion’s approach to containment and thought, it tells the story of how feelings are exchanged and how development of attachment and trust promotes cure in the group process. The discussion of identity and organisational work emphasises this book’s emphasis on both personal and societal perspectives, locating it on the foreground of modern psychoanalytic thinking.'

— Robi Friedman, PhD., former president of the Group Analytic Society

'These papers by Finnish group analysts and psychotherapists are a remarkable collection, containing original and valuable observation and thought. They bring home to the reader the importance of the understanding of group process, both for the individual and for society. The several authors’ own understanding is based on the work of Bion: they offer vivid practical illustrations of Bion’s complex thinking about human groups, as well as many clinical papers that describe the evolution of group life. I recommend this book highly for its recognition of group treatment as being capable of making major contributions to psychological health and well-being.'

— Caroline Garland, Fellow, Institute of Psychoanalysis (UK)

'The book succeeds well in shedding light on the relational concepts and clinical practices of psychoanalytic group psychotherapy and its different applications. The texts include illustrated clinical examples and thought-provoking and inspiring discussions on theoretical matters. Although the book does not explicitly highlight the research-base and value of modern psychoanalytic group psychotherapy – a rather underused form of treatment for various mental health and psychological problems within the present-day health care system, at least in Finland – it is a rewarding and inspiring reading experience, highly recommended to group psychotherapists and all those interested in deeper understanding of the human mind and groups.'

— Olavi Lindfors, PhD, Adjunct Professor, psychoanalyst