Adaptation to Loss Through Short-term Group Psychotherapy

Book excerpt: While the loss of a loved one through either death, separation, or divorce is a normal human experience, it can arouse underlying conflicts that trigger pathological reactions. For clinicians working with individuals who suffer from such pathological grief, this volume integrates theory, practice, and research to describe a time-limited, interpretive group therapy approach. Demonstrated to be successful in a large-scale controlled clinical trial, the approach provides an innovative alternative to such traditional forms of treatment as individual psychotherapy or group counseling. The volume begins with a review of epidemiological data, an examination of specific issues such as the distinction between normal and abnormal reactions to loss, and a summary of major psychoanalytic theories of pathological grief. Also discussed are societal changes that have affected the resources available to loss patients. Then, a step-by-step description of the Short-Term Group Therapy Program is provided. It includes patient selection and preparation, group composition, and therapist technique. Clinical material illustrates themes and roles as they evolve from the beginning of treatment through termination. The clinical trial research that was conducted as part of the program is described in detail and its main outcome findings are discussed. In addition, results concerning the patient characteristic known as psychological mindedness and the process variable known as psychodynamic work are presented. Finally, the book addresses future directions concerning the group treatment of loss patients. This practical volume, with its detailed instructions and review of research results, will be an invaluable resource to all professionals in psychiatry, psychology, social work, occupational therapy, and nursing who are interested in group forms of psychotherapy and/or problems associated with loss. Clinical researchers will also find the book of interest, and it will serve as a valuable text for graduate level courses that focus on psychotherapy techniques, group psychotherapy, and approaches that deal with special patient populations.