Publisher Description

Systems-Centered Practice presents a series of papers that trace the development of the theory of living human systems between 1987 and 2002. As the theory develops, so do the methods and techniques that put it into practice. The book also describes in detail the connection between the hierarchy of defence modification and the specific phases of system development that determine readiness for change. The papers in this volume contribute to our knowledge of the permeability of the boundaries between clinical and social psychology through the investigation of living human systems, and of systems-centered group and individual therapy. The author's considerable body of work constitutes a blend of creativity and learning of the highest order.

Author Biography

< div> 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. < i> Systems-Centered Therapy for Groups< /i> is her second book.< br> < /div>

Table of Contents

Foreword -- Author's note -- Introduction -- Group-as-a-Whole Theory applied to scapegoating -- Re viewing Yalom: an interpersonal tale retold from the perspective of the group-as-a-whole -- The difficult patient, the difficult group -- Group-as-a-Whole Systems Theory and practice -- The invisible group: an integrational theory of group-as-a-whole -- The phases of development and the systems-centered group -- Reframing the group-as-a-whole -- Book review of Koinonia: From Hate, through Dialogue, to Culture in the Large Group by Patrick de Mare Robin Piper, & Sheila Thompson -- A systems approach to the group-as-a-whole -- A systems-centered approach to individual and group psychotherapy

Review

'New innovations attract adherents who share the excitement of discovery, who practice amongst themselves these new ways of understanding the life we live in groups. Yvonne's work has significantly changed our understandings of sociality, and her contributions are receiving their well-merited recognition.'- Malcolm Pines, from the Foreword'Dr. Agazarian has done what few of us have dared. She has developed, watered, weeded and grown her own theory of systems and groups, and woven her work into a broad-based training environment that spans the globe. [...] We could ask for no better gift to the Academy, or for all of us trying to know and help people in groups.'- Anne Alonso, Ph.D. Clinical Professor, Harvard Medical School; Distinguished Life Fellow, The American Group Psychotherapy Association

Long Description

The author has developed a theory of Living Human Systems and its systems-centered practice. This book presents a series of chapters that trace the development of the theory of Living Human Systems through the years of 1987 to 2002. As the theory develops, so do the methods and techniques that put it into practice. The last chapter summarizes the current application and the nuts and bolts of systems-centered therapy. It also describes in detail the connection between the hierarchy of defenses modifications and the specific phases of system development that determine readiness for change.The papers in this volume contribute to expanding our knowledge of the boundaries between clinical and social psychology with the investigation of living human systems and systems-centered group and individual therapy. The author?'s considerable body of work illustrates the highest blend of creativity and learning.

Review Text

'New innovations attract adherents who share the excitement of discovery, who practice amongst themselves these new ways of understanding the life we live in groups. Yvonne's work has significantly changed our understandings of sociality, and her contributions are receiving their well-merited recognition.'- Malcolm Pines, from the Foreword'Dr. Agazarian has done what few of us have dared. She has developed, watered, weeded and grown her own theory of systems and groups, and woven her work into a broad-based training environment that spans the globe. [...] We could ask for no better gift to the Academy, or for all of us trying to know and help people in groups.'- Anne Alonso, Ph.D. Clinical Professor, Harvard Medical School; Distinguished Life Fellow, The American Group Psychotherapy Association

Details