Blending his own ideas with well-known work into a clear yet rigorous text, Claudio Neri explores the world of the group, particularly the question of what forms of pre-, non-or extra-verbal communication take place within them. He introduces two series of concepts which are intended to describe and throw light on all forms of communication groups: the first on how groups are created, the second on how a group behaves under different conditions. Using these concepts Dr. Neri looks at the birth of a group, the 'field' or common space which the group creates, group thought and the relationship between individuals and the group, and individuals and the field.
Group is a book that shows the richness of human interaction. An approachable text for those unfamiliar with the area and students looking for clinical material, it contains useful asides which develop key themes and a comprehensive glossary, and will appeal to those new to the field while retaining the interest of the more experienced reader.
Part 1 Analytic work: an overall view. Part 2 Process of the group: the emergent state of the group; the stage of the community of brothers; common space of the group; genius loci. Part 3 The field: the field; self-representation and semiosphere. Part 4 Group thought: brain and mind; characteristics of group thought; therapeutic function of group thought; conditions for group thought; mimesis; oscillations between emotions and thought. Part 5 The group and the individual: the entry of new members; group experience on the arrival of new members; the group as self-object; commuting between individuals and the group field. trans-personal diffusion.
Irrespective of your views regarding psychoanalysis, if you intend working as a professional psychologist in any one of the numerous disciplines of psychology then this book is geared for you ... Neri provides an excellent reference and explanatory text for any discipline that involves working with individuals ... Group allows its readers to explore psychoanalysis from more than the American and British perspective. It opens the door into the world of French and Italian thinking, while encompassing the works of Freud, Bion and Foulkes, not to mention Claudio Neri's own wealth of experience ... Group will outlast many student days and remain an excellent reference well into professional practice: a brilliant read from a brilliant mind.
