Stone's central interests include the development of the self, empathy, narcissism, shame, envy, rage and the group-self. He is concerned with several aspects of clinical technique and is especially sensitive to our co-creation of so-called "difficult patients". His understanding of dreams as both personal and group products which manifest visual narratives will be of particular interest to students of the social and collective unconscious. Stone's work with narcissistic and borderline patients developed in parallel with his work with the chronically mentally ill, who are often institutionalised. He demonstrates that group therapy for such patients is not only a matter of containment and holding in the service of administrative control, but also involves interpretative work based on an understanding of the primary need for a good enough self-object.

Stone's central interests include the development of the self, empathy, narcissism, shame, envy, rage and the group-self. He is concerned with several aspects of clinical technique and is especially sensitive to our co-creation of so-called "difficult patients". His understanding of dreams as both personal and group products which manifest visual narratives will be of particular interest to students of the social and collective unconscious. Stone's work with narcissistic and borderline patients developed in parallel with his work with the chronically mentally ill, who are often institutionalised. He demonstrates that group therapy for such patients is not only a matter of containment and holding in the service of administrative control, but also involves interpretative work based on an understanding of the primary need for a good enough self-object.

Regarded as the definitive practitioner reference and text, this accessible work addresses how to set up therapy groups and make them work. A wealth of clinical material illustrates the components of effective group therapy and the mechanisms and processes of change. Practical topics discussed include patient selection and preparation, leadership issues, communication of affect in groups, dealing with difficult patients, time-limited groups, and facilitating successful terminations. A chapter-length case example with commentary from each author brings an entire group session to life and explores ways to handle common dilemmas. New to This Edition *Incorporates current theory (psychodynamic and interpersonal), and supporting clinical and neurobiological research. *Every chapter revised and updated. *Chapter-length case example is entirely new. *Chapter on Frequently Asked Questions includes many new issues.

Providing a cost-effective treatment model that is respectful of patients' needs, their strengths, and their limitations, this volume presents the first dynamic and coherent approach to group treatment for the chronically mentally ill. This flexibly bound' model structures members' variable attendance while utilizing group dynamic principles to maximize therapeutic opportunities. The author focuses on the impact and opportunities of group treatment to help members overcome inhibitions in expressing their needs, assert themselves, and manage the inevitable hurts and disappointments in their relationships. The group functions as a transition point from which members can learn new ways of interacting and then apply them in their everyday lives.