Handbook of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy

Book excerpt: The Handbook of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy is a comprehensive reference guide for group practitioners and researchers alike. Each chapter reviews the literature and current research as well as suggestions for practice in the psycho educational arena, counselling, and therapy groups. The Handbook encourages the notion that the field is improved through increased collaboration between researchers and practitioners. Through a review of cutting-edge research and practice, the Handbook includes } 48 articles by renowned experts in group work } the history and theory of group work } topics across the lifespan } an entire section on multicultural issues } a variety of clinical problems and settings } appendices include the Association for Specialists in Group Work Training Standards, Best Practice Standards, and Principles for Diversity-Competent Group Workers The Handbook is divided into seven sections: Current and Historical Perspectives on the Field of Group Counselling and Psychotherapy, reviews and analyzes the many contributions and contributors that have made group counselling and psychotherapy a vital and potent treatment method. The chapter outlines review articles spanning four decades, and outlines the evolution of group themes over the last 100 years. Best Practices in Group Counselling and Psychotherapy uses research, theory, and group counseling experience to provide group leaders and researches with the most current and best practices in conducting group counseling and psychotherapy. Multicultural Groups follows the ASGW Principles for Diversity-Competent Group Workers and is intended to provide group leaders with essential information about different cultural groups and their world views, perceptions of groups, naturalistic healing methods, suggested group interventions, and implications for groups. Chapters cover Native-Americans, Latinos, Asians, and African-Americans, disabled persons, and gender and sexuality. Groups Across Settings includes examples of psycho-educational, counseling, and psychotherapy groups in a variety of settings. This section presents readers with theoretical and empirical support for group work in such settings as the Veterans Administration system, university counselling centers, and more. Groups Across the Lifespan consist of chapters across many age groups. For children and adolescents, cognitive and developmental issues are addressed. For adults, socialization and interpersonal issues are addressed, including separate chapters for male and female groups. Finally, a chapter on the elderly deals with cognitive, health, and life review issues. Special Topics Groups presents a continuum of different types of groups used to treat people with interpersonal and developmental issues, such as grief, substance abuse, depression, and others. Each chapter in this section provides definitions and descriptions of the issues along with theoretical and empirical support. Finally, Critical Issues and Emerging Topics attempts to reflect the zeitgeist and provide a glimpse into group interventions for the future. Emerging issues, such as online groups, prevention groups, and peer-led mutual help groups receive careful attention and analysis. The Handbook of Group Counseling and Psychotherapy, the first reference devoted to this emerging and rapidly growing field, is essential for academics, researchers, professionals, and librarians serving the group therapy community. There is no similar reference available, and it will prove a landmark volume for years to come.