Introduction to Group Therapy: A Practical Guide » (2nd Edition)

Fehr, Scott Simon, PsyD (Nova Southeastern Univ)

Fehr, a practitioner in psychology and a core adjunct faculty member at Nova Southeastern University, overviews theories related to group therapy and provides practical suggestions in areas rarely covered in academic settings. In this second edition, he offers new information on the historical beginnings of group therapy, surviving training sites, problem clients, and developing a group practice. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, Psy.D. (Cermak Health Services)
Description: This is a practical guide to group therapy, combining theory and clinical application. The first edition was published in 1999.
Purpose: According to the author, "the book you are about to read does not include and cover every aspect of group psychotherapy or every population for which group psychotherapy is a viable modality. Rather, it has been organized to help you get a feel for the extraordinary effect of group therapy in helping to relieve human suffering." In addition, the author states, "This book has been created in the hope of combining both the elements of theory and experience in a reader-friendly manner." The book meets these worthy objectives.
Audience: According to the author, "although this second edition is intended primarily for colleagues who are new to group psychotherapy, it is my belief that seasoned professionals as well will profit by what it has to offer." The author is a credible authority in the subject matter of the book, having led over 4,800 psychotherapy groups.
Features: The book covers history, various theoretical applications within group psychotherapy, basic principles, and case studies. It is easy to read and essential for those individuals who are yearning to practice group psychotherapy. There are excellent case studies that show how various theoretical approaches are applied. Students should be very pleased with this book because it covers the basics.
Assessment: I really enjoyed this book. Even though it is written on a fairly basic level, it really covers the topic of group psychotherapy. It isexcellent for students learning the trade. You can tell that the author really enjoys group psychotherapy by the way he writes. The author gives his rationale for this second edition: "The many changes in this particular edition have been spawned from the fine ideas and suggestions generated by reviewers, colleagues, and students around the world. They kindly related what areas they would like to see expanded and what areas were not included in the first edition. Their input helped to make this a more inclusive and better book." It is a little unusual to have a second edition come out so soon after the first unless it is in a field where advances come fast and furious, such as medicine.