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Caroline Garland, Tavistock Clinic Series, London, Karnac Books, 2010, 412 pp., £28.49 (paperback)
Jerome S. Gans, New International Library of Group Analysis, London, Karnac Books, 2010, 232 pp., £21.84
Both of these books about psychoanalytic group psychotherapy have as their focus the slow-open group and would be most relevant to those conducting such groups. What particularly commends them is that they have much to offer a wider audience. The groups book comprehensively and persuasively brings together the principles and practice of group analytic psychotherapy, but it also sets out the wider group context as the framework within which small group therapy can be understood. It would offer further depth and breadth of understanding to anyone interested in group life more generally. Difficult topics in group psychotherapy is as much about the development of the therapist as it is about the group. It is compelling and refreshing. It would be of interest to group and individual therapists. Both books would be worth reading for their clinical examples alone: these are rich in content and vividly portray the life of the therapy group.
At the heart of The groups book is the understanding that the major task for all human beings is to remain an individual capable of independent thought, while also being able to contribute to the ‘task’ of the group, whatever that may be. The editor's assertion is that well-functioning working groups can tackle issues that are beyond the isolated individual's grasp. However, to create a well-functioning group is a skilled job. We are told that this book is about the skills necessary to do this difficult job well, and that the wider hope is to increase the reader's understanding of group processes. It does this comprehensively and with clarity. Throughout, there is effective marrying of simplicity - referred to as ‘putting heads together’ and complexity.
The first three chapters are written by Garland who is also the editor. In Introduction: