Previous ed.: Belmont, Calif.; London: Wadsworth, 2003.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction -- Using Techniques Effectively -- The Therapeutic Relationship -- Choosing Techniques for Various Types of Groups -- Adapting Group Techniques to the Client's Cultural Context -- Introducing Techniques -- In a Nutshell -- Concluding Comments -- Questions and Activities -- Guide to Using Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges DVD and Workbook -- Introduction -- The Leader as a Person -- Group Preparation and Norms -- Using Techniques as Avoidance Devices -- Avoiding Undue Pressure -- Using Physical Techniques -- Competence in Using Group Techniques -- Concluding Comments -- Questions and Activities -- Introduction -- Getting Groups Established -- Techniques for Various Types of Groups -- Recruiting Members -- Screening and Selecting Members -- Conducting a Preliminary Group Session -- Preparing Parents of Minors -- Setting Goals -- Preparing Members to Get the Most from a Group -- Preparing Leaders -- Concluding Comments -- Contents note continued: Questions and Activities -- Introduction -- Characteristics of the Initial Stage -- Physical Arrangements and Settings -- Getting Acquainted -- Focusing Members -- Creating Trust -- Addressing Initial Reluctance and Ambivalence -- Starting a Session -- Ending a Session -- Member Self-Evaluation -- Leader Self-Evaluation -- Leadership Skills -- Concluding Comments -- Questions and Activities -- Guide to Using Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges DVD and Workbook -- Introduction -- Characteristics of the Transition Stage -- Dealing with Defensive Behaviors -- Dealing with Members Who Present Difficult Behaviors -- Dealing with Conflict -- Exploring Common Fears -- Working with Challenges to Leaders -- Concluding Comments -- Questions and Activities -- Guide to Using Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges DVD and Workbook -- Introduction -- Characteristics of the Working Stage -- Working with Emerging Themes -- Working with Dreams --

Working with Projections and Other Problems of Self-Awareness -- Concluding Comments -- Questions and Activities -- Guide to Using Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges DVD and Workbook -- Introduction -- Ending a Session -- Terminating a Group -- Continuing Assessment and Follow-Up -- Evaluating a Group -- Concluding Comments -- Questions and Activities -- Guide to Using Groups in Action: Evolution and Challenges DVD and Workbook.

More than a recipe book of techniques that group leaders can pull out at the right time, this book encourages readers to use techniques sensitively and creatively in their own groups, and to go one step further to invent their own techniques. The authors draw on their combined experiences as teachers, as consultants to mental-health professionals, and as private practitioners to provide a realistic approach to group work. Emphasizing that techniques are means, not ends, the book is designed to enhance the group leader's ability to generate a therapeutic and human rapport between leader and members.