Listening with the Fourth Ear: Unconscious Dynamics in Analytic Group Psychotherapy (The New International Library of Group Analysis) - Softcover

'Leonard Horwitz presents here his vast experience of group therapy: clinical, theoretical, and in training. His work on training a wide spectrum of professionals is highly relevant today. Readers of this volume, whether veterans or novices, will gain rich perspectives from this distinguished author's experiences.'- Malcolm Pines, past President, International Association of Group Psychotherapy; former Consultant, Tavistock Clinic, London'Leonard Horwitz always displays that rare combination of open-mindedness and careful thinking about the emotionally impactful issues that group therapists experience in their daily work. If you want a lucid exploration of the most important ideas in psychodynamics, group dynamics, and group therapy, given with an eye towards history and the central figures involved, read this book.'- Victor L. Schermer, MA, Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association'This volume contains the wisdom of many decades of clinical experience from one of the world's leading thinkers in the field of group process and group psychotherapy. One of his virtues is that he writes in a prose style that is jargon-free, systematic, and easily accessible. This splendid new book will be equally valuable to beginners and to those with considerable experience who want to learn from a master.'- Glen O. Gabbard, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas'Leonard Horwitz makes his impressive contributions to analytic theory, treatment, and training available to clinicians of all stripes in comprehensible language. That he is able to do so with modesty, humour, and a refreshing openness makes the book even more inviting. This is not just a valuable text. This is a rare professional memoir.'- Priscilla Kauff, PhD, Clinical Professor of Psychology in Psychiatry, Weill Medical College, Cornell University'The approach presented in this book is one that emphasizes a useful "binocular vision": first, attending to the individual concerns of each member and, second, listening for and interpreting the commonly shared concerns of the whole group. This method not only facilitates participation and self-disclosure, but also helps the therapist understand each individual in greater depth.'- Richard M. Billow, PhD, Director, Adelphi University Postgraduate Group Program, New York'Dr Horwitz has developed a group-centred inductive approach. It is unique in that it recognizes the overriding infl uence of the group theme, while never losing sight of the primary goal of treating the individual patient. This volume is important reading for every group psychotherapist.'- Howard Kibel, MD, former President, American Group Psychotherapy Association'Leonard Horwitz is a fine teacher, and that skill manifests itself in this volume. The book is very helpful reading for the group psychotherapist who is in early career stages but also serves as a valuable refresher for the seasoned clinician.'- Bonnie Buchele, PhD, President-elect, International Association of Group Psychotherapy

There are multiple meanings to the term 'group-as-a-whole' and all have a contribution. This book emphasizes that the therapist ideally listens with the fourth ear, not only attending to the latent communication of each individual, but also listening for the shared theme of the whole group. Ferreting out the underlying theme that the entire group is dealing with, the common group tension, provides a valuable opportunity for each individual to change the underlying issues that impair his or her relationships. In addition, the author provides a wide ranging coverage of theoretical, clinical, and training issues. These include a clarification of the confusing, but all-important conception of projective identification as well as a contribution to the understanding of the similarities and differences between group and individual psychotherapy. He presents a special perspective on why groups are particularly indicated in dealing with narcissistic pathology and also explores the effect of the therapist's narcissism on his patients. Finally, he emphasizes that therapists' participation as members of experiential groups is an essential part of their training.