Systems-Centered Therapy Grps

Systems-Centered Therapy (SCT) is an innovative approach to psychotherapy that synthesizes an awareness of the defensive role of anxiety, depression, and other common presenting problems - with an analysis of the phases of group development. This volume from SCT originator Agazarian introduces the theory of living human systems and maps out its operationlization in a structured treatment model. Shifting the central focus from self to system, the book explicates methods, such as functional subgrouping and boundarying, and shows how active intervention in the group process can direct the energy of members toward the goals of therapy. Extensive illustrative dialogues elucidate the ways that the SCT approach both frees groups from unproductive patterns and helps members achieve an authentic, and integrated experience of the here-and-now. This book should be of value to practioners and trainees in group and individual psychotherapy, including both SCT specialists and those working in other approaches.

Table of Contents:
Introduction - autobiography of a theory. Part 1 A theory of living human systems: an overview of the theory and its practice; subgrouping; boundarying; defence modification in the phases of group development. Part 2 Systems-centred practice: phase one - the authority issue; social defences; cognitive defences; psychosomatic defences; masochistic defences; sadistic defences; role relationship defences; resistance-to-change; defences; phase two - the intimacy issue; defences against separation and individuation. Part 3 Life and interdependency: defences and the experienced SCT group; glossary of SCT terms.

About the Author :
Yvonne M. Agazarian, Ed.D., C.G.P., F.A.G.P.A., is a psychologist in private practice, a Consulting Affiliate to Friends Hospital, and founder of the Systems-Centered Training Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association and a board member of the International Association of Group Psychotherapy, Dr. Agazarian is internationally known as the originator of Systems-Centered Therapy. Systems-Centered Therapy for Groups is her second book.

Review :
"This absorbing book systematically unfolds Yvonne Agazarian's own form of Systems-Centered Therapy applied to both individual and group psychotherapy. Her method is an impressive integration of Lewin's Field Theory, 'group-as-a-whole' methodology, and developmental dynamics. The whole amounts to a new and comprehensive system of psychotherapy that repays careful reading. I have followed her work for many years and recognize that in this book she has brought her work to an impressive synthesis. Agazarian's hallmark is a deep understanding of human developmental potential that has been blocked by defenses against mental pain and that can be released in psychotherapy." --Malcolm Pines, MD., FRCP, FRCPsych, Past President, International Association of Group Psychotherapy "Integrating general system theory with dynamic understanding, Yvonne Agazarian has developed a therapeutic approach that structures treatment with a goal of helping individuals overcome resistance to change. In a group developmental framework focused on the central importance of boundaries, patients are introduced to the strategy of framing choices as a fork-in-the-road and through membership in actively formed supportive subgroups. This structuring facilitates members' exploration of their internal and interpersonal worlds. Agazarian has provided an innovative and comprehensive addition to the field of group therapy." --Walter N. Stone, M.D., Professor of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine; Distinguished Fellow American Group Psychotherapy Association "We who are familiar with Dr. Agazarian's work have been waiting for the volume that fully elucidates her original theory, and this book does not disappoint. She is good to her word, and has produced a volume that is comprehensive, detailed, and filled with delicious controversy. Systems Centered Therapy for Groups is a major contribution to the theory of group treatment, and takes its place among the giants in the field." --Anne Alonso, Ph.D., Assoc. Clinical Professor, Harvard Medical School; Past President, American Group Psychotherapy Association "A major contribution to the field of group psychotherapy lies in Agazarian's description of group development and the defenses inherent in each phase of development....Agazarian's book on SCT is an exciting, comprehensive, at times controversial, and always challenging book on her new approach to conducting group psychotherapy....[A] fascinating and monumental addition to the field of group psychotherapy." -- Modern Group "A major contribution to the field of group psychotherapy lies in Agazarian's description of group development and the defenses inherent in each phase of development....Agazarian's book on SCT is an exciting, comprehensive, at times controversial, and always challenging book on her new approach to conducting group psychotherapy....[A] fascinating and monumental addition to the field of group psychotherapy." --"Modern Group"