Attachment in Group Psychotherapy

This book applies attachment theory to group psychotherapy, explaining how group therapists can effectively work with members who have different attachment styles. Patients in group therapy often struggle with interpersonal problems and difficulties regulating emotions. Group therapy is an ideal format for many such patients because it exposes them to ample feedback from the group and leader in a safe environment. However, the specific needs of each member vary. Attachment theory offers an effective framework for determining how best to intervene with each member and the group as a whole. By understanding the needs of each member based on his or her attachment style, the leader can best foster corrective emotional exchanges that challenge members' maladaptive beliefs about themselves and others. The chapters provide clinical guidance and case examples for numerous aspects of group therapy, including screening and preparing potential members, identifying individuals who are not good candidates for group therapy, and fostering here-and-now emotional experiences that help group members move toward positive change.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgments Introduction I. Theory and Empirical Research on Attachment and Group Psychotherapy An Overview of Attachment Theory and Its Application to Group Psychotherapy Measuring Group and Dyadic Adult Attachment Styles Attachment in Individual and Group Psychotherapy: Empirical Findings II. Applications of Attachment to Group Practice Assembling the Group: Screening, Placing, and Preparing Group Members Processes That Foster Secure Attachment in Group Psychotherapy Treating the Preoccupied Group Member Treating the Dismissing-Avoidant Group Member Attachment and Special Group Populations: Eating Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Trauma Diversity in Group Psychotherapy: Attachment, Ethnicity, and Race Attachment, Loss, and Termination in Group Psychotherapy In-Depth Clinical Case Studies: Attachment Theory and Group Psychotherapy Afterword: Closing Reflections on Attachment and Group Psychotherapy Appendix: Group Therapy Questionnaire amp ndash S References Index About the Authors

About the Author :
Cheri L. Marmarosh, PhD, ABPP, CGP is a professor of professional psychology at the George Washington University and a licensed psychologist. She has published numerous empirical and theoretical articles that focus on how group and individual therapy facilitate change. She has supervised the research and clinical work of many doctoral students in the DC area. She is also an associate editor of Group Dynamics: Theory, Research, and Practice and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, and Training. She is the current editor of the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy (AGPA). Dr. Marmarosh is the past president of APA amp rsquo s Division 49 and on the board of Division 29. She is a fellow of APA Division 29 (Psychotherapy) and the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA). She was awarded the Teicher Group Psychologist of the Year Award (Division 49) in 2 2 and the Mentor and Training in Psychotherapy Award (Division 29) in 2 2 . Dr. Marmarosh has a private practice in Washington, DC. and Northern VA. Rayna D. Markin, PhD, is associate professor at Villanova University and a licensed psychologist with a private practice specializing in pregnancy loss and infertility. She is associate editor of Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, and Training. Dr. Markin has over 4 published articles, books, and book chapters on the psychotherapy relationship and psychotherapy for pregnancy loss and is the author of the upcoming book Psychotherapy for Pregnancy Loss: Applying Relationship Science to Clinical Practice. Dr. Markin is frequently interviewed in the media on topics related to pregnancy loss and infertility. She has held several leadership positions in Division 29 of the APA and served on the Third Interdivisional APA Task Force on evidence-based relationships and responsiveness. Eric B. Spiegel, PhD, is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He enjoys working across therapeutic modalities, offering individual, couples, and group psychotherapy in his practice. Dr. Spiegel specializes in anxiety and mood disorders, attachment and relationship issues, clinical hypnosis, mind amp ndash body psychology, and trauma. He is involved in several professional organizations, including the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH). In 2 2, he was honored by ASCH with the Early Career Achievement Award. He currently serves as the moderator of the Board of Governors and as a member of the Executive Committee for ASCH. He received his doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Maryland in 2 5.

Review :
Marmarosh, Markin, and Spiegel offer an elegant, integrated approach supported by current research to demonstrate that, indeed, attachment theory is a worthwhile conceptualization that will help group therapists work with particularly difficult group members-those with insecure attachment patterns...Given the broad perspective, this book will interest group psychotherapists and organizational consultants as well as therapists who want a deeper understanding of how to think about and apply attachment-based interventions. (PsycCRITIQUES)