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. Besides delineating their own theoretical approach, the authors define and discuss key constructs in group dynamics, group therapy, object relations theory and ego and self psychologies, both in relation to one another and in the context of practical examples.

This book addresses the major problems of leadership in groups, organizations, and societies in the twenty-first century, when rapid change, complex dilemmas, and earth-shattering consequences affect the daily lives of people in the diverse contexts of social institutions, the corporate world, domestic politics, and international terrorism and conflict. The volume convenes a group of distinguished scholars, consultants, and leaders who address significant contemporary dilemmas that test the skills and knowledge of all concerned individuals. Benjamin Disraeli said, "I am their leader; therefore I must follow them." This book speaks directly to that intimate connection between leaders and followers. The organizing principle of the book is a 'group systems' understanding of leadership further elaborated through the relational and intersubjective concepts emerging in the fields of counseling, dynamic psychiatry, and psychotherapy. This interdisciplinary approach both complements and contrasts with the traditional understanding of leadership based on the dynamics of individual and collective self-interest.

This book addresses the major problems of leadership in groups, organizations, and societies in the twenty-first century, when rapid change, complex dilemmas, and earth-shattering consequences affect the daily lives of people in the diverse contexts of social institutions, the corporate world, domestic politics, and international terrorism and conflict. The volume convenes a group of distinguished scholars, consultants, and leaders who address significant contemporary dilemmas that test the skills and knowledge of all concerned individuals. Benjamin Disraeli said, "I am their leader; therefore I must follow them." This book speaks directly to that intimate connection between leaders and followers. The organizing principle of the book is a "group systems" understanding of leadership further elaborated through the relational and intersubjective concepts emerging in the fields of counseling, dynamic psychiatry, and psychotherapy. This interdisciplinary approach both complements and contrasts with the traditional understanding of leadership based on the dynamics of individual and collective self-interest.

Interpretation is the primary intervention of psychoanalysis. Until now it has been discussed almost exclusively from a technical standpoint, rather than its relationship to the mind, human life, and how it affects the personality. This book explores the intrinsic nature of interpretation in psychoanalysis. For that purpose, two streams of thought are brought into dialogue with one another: Anglo-American psychoanalysis and Continental European philosophical hermeneutics, the study of meaning and interpretation. This book celebrates and makes explicit the value of interchanges between the paradigm of science and philosophical hermeneutics. It is divided into three sections, preceded by a discussion of the relationship between psychoanalysis, hermeneutics, and the sciences, with psychoanalysis at a crossroads seeking a new path. Part 1 starts with a consideration of Freud's methodology in The Interpretation of Dreams, moving to a review of ancient, romantic, and modern theories of interpretation as they relate to psychoanalysis.

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.

This book will elucidate the scientific, philosophical, and hermeneutical basis of contemporary psychoanalysis and its key methodology, interpretation, with an aim to clarifying the prevailing diversity of theoretical perspectives. Psychoanalysis today is at a crossroads, where to remain a viable approach to psychotherapy and human understanding, it must come to terms with its own nature and place in the world. The central element of psychoanalytic process is interpretation of the unconscious meaning of the patient s free associations and transference. Interpretation, the basis of all technique, provides important clues about the nature of psychoanalysis itself. The author begins with a consideration of interpretation itself as it occurs in life, theory, and the consulting room. He considers the roles of interpretation in the two foundations of psychoanalysis: science and humanism. Then he takes up the major schools of thought and treatment approaches and how each is guided by its own understanding of interpretation as it reveals the depth and development of the patient s experience within the context of the healing process."

Psychotherapists have long debated about the personal and educational experiences that best prepare one for success in their profession. Does some precise combination of genetic endowment and training enable one to thrive as a psychotherapist? Are early experiences important? What about the psychotherapist's own psychotherapy? These are issues of significance not only to mental health professionals but also to those who rely on the quality of their services.
On Becoming a Psychotherapist explores how psychotherapists develop as practitioners through both professional training and the training that can only be obtained through personal experience. Drawing on the expertise of acknowledged leaders in the field, each chapter examines a particular set of personal experiences or educational pursuits that impacts psychotherapist development and practice. Among those considered are the relevant life events of psychotherapists that occur both prior to undertaking clinical work and as their careers evolve; the importance of supervision and mentoring; the contribution of one's personal treatment experiences; the incorporation of research findings into one's therapeutic approach; and the socio-economic and cultural contexts that influence therapist development. Shedding light on how these components are effectively organized and integrated into professional practice, the book addresses current controversies that surround what constitutes the optimal set of experiences and characteristics for the developing psychotherapist. The result is a vital resource for directors of training, clinical supervisors, and psychotherapists interested in understanding how and why they have become the clinicians they are today.
"This carefully designed and thoughtfully integrated volume brings together recognized experts who draw on their rich clinical experience and on relevant research to illuminate diverse aspects of psychotherapist training and development. Valuable and highly recommended, this is worthwhile for anyone engaged in selecting, teaching, supervising, and mentoring therapists prepared to meet the challenges of contemporary clinical practice."-David E. Orlinsky, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Comparative Human Development, University of Chicago, Past-president of the Society for Psychotherapy Research, and co-author of How Psychotherapists Develop and The Psychotherapist's Own Psychotherapy
"Brilliantly and passionately conceived, this survey of the main parameters of becoming a psychotherapist is both comprehensive and erudite. An appreciation of the importance of traumatic experience in the lives of both patient and therapist suffuses the entire volume, which is skillfully constructed for students and their teachers as well as their patients."--Earl Hopper, Ph.D., Institute of Group Analysis, London
"This is a sophisticated, yet very readable book, which carefully focuses on what it takes to become a skilful and successful psychotherapist. The authors represent an experienced group of clinicians, who are well known in the professional literature for their writings and well known in their clinical settings for their expertise as therapists and supervisors. They have a wealth of valuable information and experiences to share about becoming a psychotherapist. For the reader, who wishes to learn more about the interesting process of becoming a psychotherapist, this book is an excellent resource." --William E. Piper, Ph.D., Professor and Director of the Psychotherapy Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia
"This volume takes a major step in elucidating who we as psychotherapists are. Reading On Becoming a Psychotherapist stimulates a personal assessment of one's own 'psychotherapist self, ' a useful endeavor for students and seasoned clinicians alike. This masterful effort truly adds punch to the prodding for the reader to do a self-assessment."--Bonnie J. Buchele, Ph.D., Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst, Past President and Distinguished Fellow, American Group Psychotherapy Association

The ring of fire "stands for the life cycle of both the universe and each individual being: the circular dance of nature in the eternal process of creation and destruction. At the same time, the light radiated by the ring of flames symbolizes eternal wisdom and transcendental illumination" (J.E. Cirlot from "A Dictionary of Symbols"). The circular form in which the group is seated symbolizes its unity, connectedness, and cohesion as well as its microcosmic relation to the larger world of human evolution, culture, and the life cycle. Foulkes, Bion, and others have identified primitive layers of affect and object relations where universal collective themes and early infantile object relations are re-experienced and repeated in the meeting place for healing called the therapy group. In this context, very profound emotions and energies are released which have deep implications for change and growth, provided the therapist can manage and respond to them effectively. This book brings together a collection of new and original contributions to an understanding of primitive object relations and intensely critical emotional states which present the maximum challenge to the group psychotherap