THE COUCH AND THE CIRCLE

In 1958, Cornelius Beukenkamp presented group therapy (with one group only) for lay analysis in Fortunate Strangers (Rinehart). Dr. Spotnitz' explanation here (which also includes individual treatment) is much broader based and more informative- as well as less strident. Group therapy, as it has been developed (and its origins are traced) is the means of extending psychiatry to many more people- and offering the patient a social situation which represents the world rather than the exclusive twosome of patient and therapist. Creating, as it does, more intense emotional currents, spontaneous emotional exchanges, and multiple interaction, it diversifies and accelerates the therapeutic process. Dr. Spotnitz offers a good many illustrations from his own caseload, shows in what instances group therapy is more beneficial than individual therapy, outlines the role of the analyst and the controls he must exercise, and forecasts the trend toward family therapy in general. It is an excellent demonstration of the therapeutic technique- its procedures and aims- and far more beneficial than the earlier book.