Looking at the systemic nature of groups within the framework of General Systems Theory (GST), this study provides a rationale for using GST and proposes that there are three elements within therapy groups: the group, the member(s), and the leader(s). This emphasizes the interactive nature of systemic groups.

Table of Contents

PART I: GROUP PROCESSES WITHIN A SYSTEMS FRAMEWORK AND THE THREE ELEMENTS THAT COMPRISE A GROUP. 1. General Systems Theory. 2. Three-Element System. 3. Types of Group Processes. PART II: FACTORS INFLUENCING LEADER, MEMBER, AND GROUP BEHAVIORS. 4. Systems of Communication. 5. History. 6. Themes. 7. Norms and Standards. 8. Stages. 9. Cohesion. 10. Power vs. Influence. 11. Structural Factors. PART III: GROUP STAGES. 12. Stage One: Orientation. 13. Stage Two: Conflict and Confrontation. 14. Stage Three: Cohesiveness. 15. Stage Four: Work. 16. Stage Five: Termination. PART IV: INTERVENTIONS. 17. Process of Conceptualizing Interventions. 18. Types of Available Interventions. 19. Blocks to Effective Interventions. Epilogue. Bibliography. Index.