1st Edition

The Group as an Object of Desire Exploring Sexuality in Group Therapy

By Morris Nitsun Copyright 2006
    318 Pages
    by Routledge

    320 Pages
    by Routledge

    Why do people find it so difficult to talk openly about sex?

    In this original and ground-breaking book, Morris Nitsun argues that desire and sexuality are key components of human experience that have been marginalized in the group psychotherapy literature.

    Drawing on theory from psychoanalysis, developmental psychology and sociology, while keeping the group firmly in focus, he creates a picture of the potential in group therapy for the most intimate narrative. Highlighting current concerns about sexual identity, boundary transgression and what constitutes effective psychotherapy, detailed clinical illustrations cover areas such as:

    • The erotic connection
    • The dissociation of desire
    • The group as witness
    • Erotic transference and counter-transference

    Psychotherapists and all those interested in sexual development and diversity will value the challenging approach to sexuality this book offers.

    Preface. Introduction. Part I: The Wider Discourse. Discourses of Desire. Sexual Development. Sex and Psychoanalysis. Sex and Politics. Part II: The Group Discourse. Sex in Group Psychotherapy - A Review. Desire in Group Analysis. A Group Psychotherapy Perspective of Sexuality. Part III: The Clinical Discourse. Introduction to Part III. The Erotic Connection. The Theme of Incest. Dissociated Desire. The Group as Witness. Sexual Pairing. Erotic Transference and Counter-Transference. Homosexuality in the Group. Part IV: The Linked Discourse. The Therapist, Overview - Linking Theory and Practice.

    Biography

    Morris Nitsun is a consultant clinical psychologist in Camden & Islington Mental Health Trust.  He is also a training analyst at the Institute of Group Analysis and works privately at the Group Analytic Practice.  He is author of The Anti-Group: Destructive forces in the group and their creative potential