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...

'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...

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...