Group Supervision and the Influence of Culture

‘An understanding of the complexity and of the creative and destructive power of the group lies at the heart of group analytic therapy and supervision. Whilst the setting and the boundaries of groupwork tend to remain relatively unchanged, the content and the outcome of practice is often surprising, often unexpected and arguably always new and different, emerging as it does from each new group. This book, the second in a series of three, brings that newness into clear focus. Fifteen writers provide a wealth of experience, knowledge and expertise. The reader is offered a kaleidoscopic view of current thinking and practice which is up to date, of the moment. The fifteen chapters are usefully grouped into four sections: Unconscious Processes, Working with Difference, Training Issues and Professional Issues. The lens through which the work of group supervision is viewed is specific to particular settings or areas of interest; the focus of the writing ranges from vivid vignettes of clinical practice to sophisticated and clearly argued theoretical positions. The multiple perspectives offered provide the reader with a wide-ranging view of analytic group supervision which will surely aid anyone involved in or thinking about being involved the demanding and ultimately highly rewarding task of working as a supervisor of a group.’

Leonie Hilliard, Group Analyst, Training Group Analyst and Director of the Group Analytic Supervision Training at the Institute of Group Analysis, London

‘When I read this book, it seemed to me that built in to it’s culture, indeed in its very warp, is the sense of curiosity, mutuality, and reciprocity; for this to be the aim for the supervisor, for those seeking supervision, and for the “group as a whole”. The chapters here, each has their own unique culture, and together they chart ways to openness. They make it safe to say the shameful. The supervision group takes place in the liminal space; where members can stay with moments of not knowing; analysing and accepting negative transference, ruptures and stuck-ness; and addressing the “anti-group”. The book offered me space to think about and perhaps, help solve long held riddles from my own early groups, family, training and own therapy. After reading this book, I believe I’m more confident, and competent, to help create a culture, in my present groups, that embraces other members own unique and diverse cultures; colonialism and ethnicity, holding in mind psychotherapy’s western heritage. Reading this book also encourages me to rise to the challenge, post Covid, of working both in person and online.’

Roger Lloyd, Chair of British Association of Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Supervision (BAPPS)

Margaret Smith is a retired psychodynamic psychotherapist and group analyst working in private practice with a special interest in group supervision. She was an independent member of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP), a Member of the Institute of Group Analysis (IGA) and British Association for Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic Supervision (BAPPS) until 2023.

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