Recipient of the 1992 Distinguished Publication Award of the Association for Women in Psychology What are the best techniques to use when counseling women? How does group counseling differ from other types of counseling? Introducing a new perspective for counseling women, Feminist Groupwork illustrates how women, brought together in groups, can offer each other support, validation, strength, and a growing sense of personal awareness. Drawing on their experiences in establishing and running women′s groups in rural and inner-city settings, the authors cover many essential elements of groupwork including the philosophy and principles of feminism, structural group relationships, the role of group activities, group identity development, and group dynamics. Feminist Groupwork provides a convincing rationale for adopting a feminist approach to counseling, and will be of particular value for students and academics in women′s studies, social psychology, and social work. "Today, most of us believe ourselves to be marvelous communicators; we aren′t! The final chapter, ′Making Connections,′ tackles this problem head-on and by itself makes reading this book more than worthwhile." --Nursing Standard "Definitely a fresh contribution to readers interested in women′s studies, group dynamics, group "therapy," the politics of knowledge, and social change." --Choice "Describes the authors′ experience of working with three women′s groups. The description of the work is very clear and at each stage the philosophy and its application to the work is beautifully described. . . . Therapists working with women, particularly those who are isolated in their own community or bearing the brunt of socio-political disadvantage, will find the ideas in this book stimulating and challenging." --Journal of the British Association for Counselling "This book underscores the need for mental health professionals to broaden their views so as to recognize and incorporate in their work the impact of economic and social deprivation on women. The book should be read by anyone involved in group work with women." --Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health "The style of the book is reflective, is feminist and tells you why, and is honest and direct. It is informative and gently and simply written--no need for a dictionary at the ready--but you will need to reflect on a value position which accepts the ′stark reality of repression experienced by all women.′" --Counselling Psychology Review "This book is essential reading for all those planning to run an all-female group--and for anyone planning to work with women in any capacity. Its relevance is wider than direct practice. . . . This book is not a quickly read, how to do it, book. It is more of a book to immerse oneself in, looking out along the way for the pointers and tips gleaned from actual group sessions with actual women. Oh, and men should read it too!" --Social Work Today "The book is well organized and includes a thorough grounding in feminist theory and sufficient background in group work. An especially thorough coverage of individual identity within the group is followed by a useful discussion of the integration of the individual into the group community. . . . I was impressed with the clear picture the authors draw of the process of feminist group work. Many of the ideas, values, and concepts presented in the book apply to all clients and can be used to enhance social work services in all settings." --Affilia "The workers by their own account are both ′of′ the groups as well as researchers writing ′about′ the groups. . . . Because they are willing t
