April E. Fallon

This book describes six therapy models that can be used to treat individuals in facilities that offer short-term group psychotherapy. Group psychotherapy can be daunting, especially for students and others who have not led groups before. Choosing a model of therapy can be especially tricky. The best therapy, as authors Virginia Brabender and April Fallon explain in this book, is one that meshes well with the needs of the patient population, the therapist, and the environment in which treatment is taking place. They also emphasize the key role of process-the interactions between and among group members and the therapist-in the mechanics of group psychotherapy. For each approach-interpersonal, psychodynamic, cognitive behavior, acceptance and commitment, problem solving, and behavioral therapies-the authors examine theoretical underpinnings, characteristic interventions, relevant research, strengths and weaknesses across different clinical contexts, and the unique demands of the therapy setting. Filled with vivid clinical vignettes, the authors demonstrate how therapists can choose, adapt, and implement the model most suited for their group. For more information, watch a short video about the book on YouTube.

This volume covers the range of reactions that both patients and clients have to the circumstance of a child entering the therapist’s family. Through research, the authors show these reactions can be extremely powerful, and when fully explored can be used to advance the therapy and the development of the patient. Rich clinical illustrations are provided throughout the text. In addition, the reader is offered many therapeutic strategies for working with patient-therapist reactions as they unfold. Many practical issues arise in conjunction with this life transition. Examples include announcing a pregnancy or an imminent adoption, planning parental leave and covering the patient’s needs during the hiatus. In this second edition, therapists who are members of LGBT families and single parent families are described in terms of their special needs, challenges and resources. This updated edition also contains a new chapter on special problems that can arise during pregnancy.

Practical techniques for guiding parents through the stages of adoption and beyond Editors Virginia Brabender and April Fallon are clinical psychologists and also adoptive parents whose families are acquainted with both the uncertainty and joy of adoption. In Working with Adoptive Parents, they offer an in-depth treatment of the distinctive needs, feelings, impulses, expectations, and conflicts that adoptive parents experience through the stages of adoption and beyond. This volume offers a comprehensive picture of adoption through an exploration of the experiences and developmental processes of the adoptive parent. Featuring contributions from mental health professionals whose careers have focused on work with families through the adoption process, this unique book: Covers the theory, research, and practice of adoptive parenting throughout the life cycleExplores the issues unique to the adoptive mother and adoptive father as they traverse the stages of parentingOffers a close look at families with special needs childrenAcknowledges and explores the great diversity among adoptive families and the kinship networks in which they are embeddedExamines attachment issues between adoptive parent and child Providing a framework for therapists to conceptualize their work with adoptive parents, Working with Adoptive Parents clarifies and facilitates the journey that many of these families face.

Group development, a key factor in treatment effectiveness, is covered in virtually every introductory text on group psychotherapy. This is the first book devoted exclusively to this process. In this volume, Virginia Brabender and April Fallon chronicle the rich history of group development research, provide a survey of modern theories of group development, and introduce the authors' own five-stage model of group development. The authors demonstrate the importance of group identity to the achievement of treatment goals through a series of vivid, real-life vignettes that illustrate the characteristic behavior of group members at each stage. They apply their developmental perspective not only to traditional unstructured groups but also to focused groups and groups emerging from postmodern frameworks, such as social constructionism and narrative psychology. In its comprehensive scope and attention to detail, Group Development in Practice is a vital resource for experienced group clinicians, therapists new to group psychotherapy, and for therapists leading all kinds of groups, from traditional, long-term unstructured groups to focused, time-limited groups in inpatient and outpatient settings, to the emerging world of cyber groups. It will also be of great use for researchers and those interested in developing or refining theoretical approaches to group psychotherapy.

The ideal resource for setting up and working with therapy groups Group therapy is an increasingly popular treatment modality for a variety of disorders and client populations. Essentials of Group Therapy provides both professionals and students with a clear overview of the group therapy process, its history and development, and the critical skills required for working effectively with groups. This valuable guide presents several models and techniques for setting up and leading a number of different types of groups, explained with a distinct practitioner focus. As part of the Essentials of Mental Health Practice series, this book provides information mental health professionals need to practice knowledgeably, efficiently, and ethically in today’s behavioral healthcare environment. Each concise chapter features numerous callout boxes highlighting key concepts, bulleted points, and extensive illustrative material, as well as "Test Yourself" questions that help you gauge and reinforce your grasp of the information covered. Essentials of Group Therapy focuses on the practical aspects of deciding when and for whom group therapy is effective, building groups for long- and short-term therapy, as well as support and self-help groups, and managing the issues that can arise as groups develop. The authors provide examples of how to handle leadership, training, and diversity, as well as ethical and legal issues in an effective and compassionate manner. Essentials of Group Therapy provides an invaluable reference for mental health students and professionals studying or working in any practice.