Group Analysis by Sigmund Karterud

Group Analysis by Sigmund Karterud

Group Analysis outlines how clinical group analysis can re-establish itself as a leading paradigm for group psychotherapy.

Sigmund Karterud explains how the focus of group analysis and its applications can be expanded by stronger emphasis on the philosophy and psychology of the self. The book is divided into four parts, with part one reconsidering the historical roots of group analysis through its founder S. H. Foulkes and part two demonstrating how the fields of evolution, primary emotions, attachment, mentalizing, personality theory and personality disorders can be integrated with group analysis. Part three develops a philosophy of the self that includes a group self which accounts for the we-ness of groups, and part four illustrates how these concepts can inform the practice of group analysis through a series of clinical vignettes addressing the major challenges which face the clinician.

Group Analysis: A Modern Synthesis will be essential reading for all group psychotherapists in practice and in training. It will also appeal to students of group analytic psychotherapy.

“Courageously and independently drawing on the ideas of a range of psychoanalytical and group analytical theorists and clinicians, this personal and contemporary text will be of value to colleagues and students in the mental health professionsDr Sigmund Karterud is both a “hermeneut” and a data driven scientist. His attempts to synthesise several perspectives and orientations are based on his appreciation of the restraints of the human body as well as the constraints of our societies and cultures. This contribution to NILGA illustrates the enduring importance of our diverse and multi-stranded intellectual foundations. We are also challenged to restore our identities as members of a profession which has not yet begun to realise its full potentials.” - Earl Hopper, PhD, Editor of the New International Library of Group Analysis (NILGA)

“The author expands and revitalizes group analysis with perspectives from evolution, philosophy and psychology of the self, theories of emotions, mentalization and, above all, personality. An essential reading for people interested in the front-line of contemporary group analytic theory and practice.” - Thor Kristian Island M.D. Founding director of IGA, Norway.

“Karterud's groundbreaking work is a much-needed contribution to the field of group analysis. The incorporation of modern personality theories into the analytic matrix enriches the therapeutic toolkit. His emphasis on group analysts' flexibility in attuning to the most complex psychopathology of patients opens space for work with more severe personality disorders.” - Anna Zajenkowska, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Poland; EFFP Group Section Chair.

“Karterud is one of the most authoritative voices of contemporary international group analysis, and this book represents the evolution of his thinking and practice. An important text that combines group analysis with group interventions in public services and with more severe personality disorders”. - Maurizio Salis, Director of COIRAG (Italian Confederation of Analytical Research on ETS Groups).

“Courageously and independently drawing on the ideas of a range of psychoanalytical and group analytical theorists and clinicians, this personal and contemporary text will be of value to colleagues and students in the mental health professions. Dr Sigmund Karterud is both a “hermeneut” and a data driven scientist. His attempts to synthesise several perspectives and orientations are based on his appreciation of the restraints of the human body as well as the constraints of our societies and cultures. This contribution to NILGA illustrates the enduring importance of our diverse and multi-stranded intellectual foundations. We are also challenged to restore our identities as members of a profession which has not yet begun to realise its full potentials.” - Earl Hopper, PhD, Editor of the New International Library of Group Analysis (NILGA)

“The author expands and revitalizes group analysis with perspectives from evolution, philosophy and psychology of the self, theories of emotions, mentalization and, above all, personality. An essential reading for people interested in the front-line of contemporary group analytic theory and practice.” - Thor Kristian Island M.D. Founding director of IGA, Norway.

“Karterud's groundbreaking work is a much-needed contribution to the field of group analysis. The incorporation of modern personality theories into the analytic matrix enriches the therapeutic toolkit. His emphasis on group analysts' flexibility in attuning to the most complex psychopathology of patients opens space for work with more severe personality disorders.” - Anna Zajenkowska, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Poland; EFFP Group Section Chair.

“Karterud is one of the most authoritative voices of contemporary international group analysis, and this book represents the evolution of his thinking and practice. An important text that combines group analysis with group interventions in public services and with more severe personality disorders”. - Maurizio Salis, Director of COIRAG (Italian Confederation of Analytical Research on ETS Groups).

Sigmund Karterud, MD, PhD, is a group analyst and professor of psychiatry, formerly at Oslo University, Norway. He has played a significant role in training, research, and organization of group analytic psychotherapy in Scandinavia. His other publications include books on self-psychology, personality, personality disorders and mentalization-based treatment (MBT).