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The theory and practice of group psychotherapy

01 Jan 1970-
TL;DR: Yalom as mentioned in this paper described the course of therapy from both the patient's and the therapist's viewpoint in Encounter Groups: First Facts (1973) and Every Day gets a Little Closer: A Twice-Told Therapy (1974).
Abstract: This book first appeared in 1970 and has gone into two further editions, one in 1975 and this one in 1985. Yalom is also the author of Existential Psychotherapy (1980), In-patient Group Psychotherapy (1983), the co-author with Lieberman of Encounter Groups: First Facts (1973) and with Elkin of Every Day Gets a Little Closer: A Twice-Told Therapy (1974) (which recounts the course of therapy from the patient's and the therapist's viewpoint). The present book is the central work of the set and seems to me the most substantial. It is also one of the most readable of his works because of its straightforward style and the liberal use of clinical examples.
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a study encompassed 142 low achievers in 2 elementary schools (Grades 2-6) in Israel, all of whom received 4-6 weekly hours' assistance with their academic difficulties in school.
Abstract: The study encompassed 142 low achievers in 2 elementary schools (Grades 2-6) in Israel, all of whom received 4-6 weekly hours' assistance with their academic difficulties in school. After a random division of this sample into experimental and control groups, the former received an additional weekly session of group therapy of an interpersonal nature. The effect of this treatment was examined on 4 dependent variables: academic achievements, self-concept, social acceptance, and locus of control. Results indicated significant gains for the experimental group on all these variables-gains that increased over time. Group therapy appears to contribute both to academic progress and to the psychological and social well-being of low-achieving pupils.

46 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The authors are confident that the FORT intervention can guide the development of effective psychosocial cancer survivorship interventions to reduce FCR and improve psychological functioning among women with breast or gynecological cancer.
Abstract: Clinically significant levels of fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) affect up to 49 % of cancer survivors and are more prevalent among women. FCR is associated with psychological distress, lower quality of life, and increased use of medical resources. Despite its prevalence, FCR is poorly addressed in clinical care. To address this problem, we first developed, and pilot tested a 6-week, 2 h, Cognitive-existential group intervention therapy that targeted FCR in survivors of breast or gynecological cancer. Following the positive outcome of the pilot, we are now testing this approach in a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Goal and hypotheses: This multicenter, prospective RCT aims to test the efficacy of the intervention. The study hypotheses are that, compared to a control group, cancer survivors participating in the intervention (1) will have less FCR, (2) will show more favorable outcomes on the following measures: cancer-specific distress, quality of life, illness uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty, perceived risk of cancer recurrence, and coping skills. We further postulate that the between-group differences will persist three and 6 months post-intervention. Sixteen groups of seven to nine women are being allocated to the intervention or the control group. The control group receives a 6-week, 2 h, structurally equivalent support group. We are recruiting 144 cancer survivors from four hospital sites in three Canadian cities. The sample size was based on the moderate pre/post-test changes found in our pilot study and adjusted to the drop-out rates. Measurements: The primary outcome, FCR, is measured by the Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory. Secondary outcomes measured include cancer-specific distress, perceived risk of cancer recurrence, illness uncertainty, intolerance of uncertainty, coping, and quality of life. We use reliable and recognized valid scales. Participants are to complete the questionnaire package at four times: before the first group session (baseline), immediately after the sixth session, and 3 and 6 months post-intervention. Analysis: In the descriptive analysis, comparison of group equivalent baseline variables, identification of confounding/intermediate variables and univariate analysis are planned. Each participant’s trajectory is calculated using Generalized Estimating Equation models to determine the time and group effects, after considering the correlation structures of the groups. An intent-to-treat analysis approach may be adopted. Our Fear of Recurrence Therapy (FORT) intervention has direct implications for clinical service development to improve the quality of life for patients with breast (BC) and gynecological cancer (GC). Based on our pilot data, we are confident that the FORT intervention can guide the development of effective psychosocial cancer survivorship interventions to reduce FCR and improve psychological functioning among women with BC or GC. Dr. Christine Maheu registered the trial with ISRCTN registry (Registration number: ISRCTN83539618 , date assigned 03/09/2014).

46 citations

Book ChapterDOI
TL;DR: D-cycloserine, a partial NMDA agonist, has shown to be effective in facilitating the exposure/extinction therapy to improve the efficacy of treating anxiety disorders, and may guide the way for new pharmacological enhancements of behavioral therapy.
Abstract: Improved efficacy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders is urgently needed. Traditional anxiety treatments of hypnosis and psychodynamic therapy may be of some help, but uncontrolled studies lead to inconclusive results on the efficacy of these treatment techniques. There is a larger literature supporting the efficacy of cognitive-behavioral procedures with PTSD, including prolonged exposure therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, and anxiety management techniques. The cutting-edge technology of virtual reality-based exposure therapy for PTSD is particularly exciting. To further build on effective psychosocial treatments, current pharmacological augmentation approaches to emotional learning are being combined with psychotherapy. In particular, d-cycloserine, a partial NMDA agonist, has shown to be effective in facilitating the exposure/extinction therapy to improve the efficacy of treating anxiety disorders, and may guide the way for new pharmacological enhancements of behavioral therapy.

46 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Group therapy intervention with a CBT-based approach is a feasible treatment option in the management of NEAs and other FNSs, as shown by significant improvements in emotional domains of quality of life in this low power pilot study.

45 citations


Cites background from "The theory and practice of group ps..."

  • ...These include improvements arising from witnessing fellow participants overcoming self-identifiable difficulties [30] and exposure to unique group change-inducing factors such as hope, universality, advice, altruism, socializing, and imitative behaviors [31]....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The literature only partially answers a number of significant questions, including the types of groups most appropriate for people with specific diseases, process variables most significant to the success of groups, and specific factors that are barriers to group involvement by certain populations.
Abstract: This article provides an overview of research literature related to cancer support groups, with particular reference to prostate cancer groups. Randomized studies of cancer support groups primarily focus on short-term psychoeducational and/or supportive/expressive groups for women with breast cancer. Many of these studies suggest that the interventions lead to a pronounced improvement in psychological functioning and may in some instances increase longevity. Regarding prostate cancer support-group members, information and education are especially valued. Open-ended, psychoeducational groups with large meetings, expert speakers, and structured, efficient organizations appear most beneficial to prostate cancer group members. The literature only partially answers a number of significant questions, including the types of groups most appropriate for people with specific diseases, process variables most significant to the success of groups, and specific factors that are barriers to group involvement by...

45 citations