The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy

4.13 of 5 stars 4.13  ·  rating details  ·  2,722 ratings  ·  72 reviews
In this completely revised and updated fifth edition of group psychotherapy’s standard text, Dr. Yalom and his collaborator present the most recent developments in the field, drawing on nearly a decade of new research as well as their broad clinical wisdom and expertise. Among the significant new topics: Online therapy Specialized groups Ethnocultural diversity Trauma Mana...more
Hardcover, Fifth Edition, 688 pages
Published July 6th 2005 by Basic Books (first published 1967)
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Julia
Yalom came into my life just as I started serving as the sole therapist for two groups of child sex offenders. To put it mildly, some sage advice on being a group therapist was sorely needed. This volume is a must-read (yes, all bajillion pages of it) for anyone doing group work, which is the majority of folks in doctoral psychology programs. Yalom's tone is approachable, his sense of humor much appreciated, and his clinical wisdom boundless. I tend to think of books this hefty as in need of goo...more
Murray Irwin
This is a classic text for anyone who does group work, especially if you are facilitating personal change. It has long been regarded as the standard text for group psychotherapy. But I should point out that I am neither a counsellor or psychotherapist and so was never looking to run group psychotherapy sessions. I was trying to understand how groups work and how they can support positive change. And in this book I found lots to think about for leading groups in recreational, education and advent...more
Lauren
Although Yalom is the guru of group therapy, I did not find the book to be particularly helpful. It comes from a very psychodynamic orientation, and although the author mentions other orientations or discusses how certain concepts are understood across the different orientations, readers should be aware that the book addresses how to conduct process group therapy. So if that is your aim, this is the book for you. However, I found it far less applicable for use in more structured groups (e.g., su...more
John G.
I used this book when I was a graduate student in the counseling psychology program back in the day, I have the third edition. Bar none, the best text book/ case book about group therapy ever written. I would read this book, out of personal interest and pleasure, regardless of whether it was part of a curriculum. Yalom is a humble and incredibly articulate man, he doesn't act omnipotent and writes in plain and understandable language. Do believe he's a Professor Emeritus from Stanford. He is ope...more
Matt
Holy crap, I finished this.
Several things come to mind as I slowly digested this book.
First, how the heck did he get his patients to stay in groups long enough to deal with all these interpersonal issues? I think most clients would get fed up with "that annoying person in group" and just leave. Second, how the heck does he deal with all the members' issues with authority?
That being said, I did use a little bit of insight each time in my own work, so it was definitely worth the reading.
Cory
I recommend this book to any type of group facilitator/participant. Whether you're a licensed psychologist, self-help group facilitator or anyone else who participates in groups for children, adolescents or adults, this books provides a wealth of useful information and tips. Some chapters are rather dry, but for the most part it's interesting and informative. Not just your typical research in action book.
Lindsay
Good introduction to group work. Found it frustrating at times though...as Yalom lists certain "exclusion criteria" for clients that are not suitable for group work...criteria that fits almost all of the people/children I have ever done group work with. More information about how to work with populations that don't fit Yalom's "mold" would have been helpful.
Kara
Beautifully written (although, I found it somewhat dense at times. We get it, you're SMART.)

This book provides a good balance of theoretical suggestions and practical applications. I would recommend it for anyone leading or developing a group.

I give this book 3.5 stars. Pros-It was helpful, informative, and credible. Cons-lengthy and tedious.
Krissy
fortunately for me, i picked this book up again recently as i've started to lead groups. unfortunately for me, i didn't really pay attention to it when i read it in school. such an interesting take on the way people interact with each other.
Stavros Gougouskidis
Το βιβλίο κυκλοφορεί και σε ελληνική μετάφραση με τον τίτλο:
"ΘΕΩΡΙΑ ΚΑΙ ΠΡΑΞΗ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΙΚΗΣ ΨΥΧΟΘΕΡΑΠΕΙΑΣ" από τις εκδόσεις ΑΓΡΑ.
Virginia
Read this as part of my graduate training in counseling psych. Although insightful, a bit tedious to read for a newbie to group psychotherapy. Perhaps I'll return to it when I've had some practice under my belt. Theory seems sound, though.
Francesca
I enjoy Yalom's writing style and the personal examples and stories he includes. This book is an essential resource to any therapist who wants to lead therapeutic groups. A therapeutic group acts as a social microcosm and can lead to individual change as group members relate and challenge one another. Yalom's book delves into the topic of groups as well as ways to structure, lead and troubleshoot these therapeutic communities.
Jeff
Uggg. This is a hefty read, that I doubt anyone would pick up for fun. However, there is good information in it and I do find myself thinking back to it and the class I took where this was the text. A hefty read, but a must for those in the mental health arena.
Ash
Incredibly dense, and at times terribly dry. This is a textbook manual, make no mistake. But, it is the bible of group therapy practice, and should be treated with respect and lasting care.
Eleanore
ANother book from class, but one of the best textbooks Ive read. Not only do you learn about groups but how an individual (and yourself) behave and think in them
Melanie
I read this book while enrolled in my master's program. Yalom is the go to for group theory and practice. It has also became a great resource on my office shelf.
Victoria
Dr. Yalom is amazing. This is THE text for group therapy, and if you ever get the chance to hear him talk - do it!
Shelby
So far it's pretty good. Only read the preface and the last chapter for class. I'm interested to keep going.
Karen
I had to read this for school. I really liked Yalom's sense of humor. He's a good writer and a gifted clinician.
Laura Knoll
Has a lot of great incites, but you must sift them out carefully. This book could have been half as long.
Cindy
A must-read for any therapist. It has been essential for me starting to do therapy. Cannot recommend enough.
Shawn Verdin
The best textbook I ever read. Reads like a novel! I can't wait to read Yalom's actual fiction!
Lois Wetzel
This was a grad school text I was required to read, but in spite of that, I really loved it.
Linda
This was the text for a Group Counseling graduate course. Very good book. Very readable.
David Lawrence
Gives a huge amount of technique on small group dynamics and practical applied psychology. Good for someone that really wants to make small groups work. If someone can make a group of mentally ill persons get along and grow in self knowledge and actively help each other , they can make any group thrive

david
Judith
May 01, 2012 Judith added it
Excellent book on Group Psychotherapy read a long time ago for a grad course.
Bob Griffin
A textbook for study and reference. A great help in practice of group work.
Chadd Mccormick brown
I am using in grad school at carlow university in pittsburgh pa
Elmaneca Cabrera
I have never been so excited to read a textbook!
Deborah
he is very readable if you are interested
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The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (Hardcover)
The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (Hardcover)
Θεωρία και πράξη της ομαδικής ψυχοθεραπείας  (Paperback)
The Theory And Practice Of Group Psychotherapy
The Theory And Practice Of Group Psychotherapy (Paperback)

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Irvin David Yalom, M.D., is an author of fiction and nonfiction, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at Stanford University, an existentialist, and accomplished psychotherapist.
More about Irvin D. Yalom...
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“A sense of life meaning ensues but cannot be deliberately pursued: life meaning is always a derivative phenomenon that materializes when we have transcended ourselves, when we have forgotten ourselves and become absorbed in someone (or something) outside ourselves” 17 people liked it
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