In this informative, informal and intergenerational dialogue on the psychology of group processes, Marshall Edelson and David N. Berg use and test current theory, laying practical guidelines for realizing the constructive possibilities of groups and organizations. They argue that pernicious processes in groups can be voided by the development of a complex understanding of the factors and identities which influence and create a group. In a group setting, change or learning occur through the active participation of all group members. They suggest that, rather than theoretical ideas, humans use stories as tools to understand and share experiences. Within this conceptual framework, they discuss key themes, such as the practice and teaching of group psychotherapy and group dynamics; group identities - gender, generation, race, ethnicity; the problem of scapegoating in groups; and the nature of authority. "Rediscovering Groups" is an interchange of ideas between two individuals from different generations, who recount and compare their experiences of groups and organizations. This detailed and personal analysis thus both describes and enacts its dual themes of narrative and collaboration. It presents an authoritative image of group processes which applies to all who work with groups.

Table of Contents:
Part 1 Stories: arriving at the idea of stories, Marshall Edelson; using stories in doing psychotherapy, Marshall Edelson; using stories in teaching psychotherapy, Marshall Edelson; psychological and social theories as narrative paradigms, Marshall Edelson; essential plot ingredients - diversity, conflict and dissent, David N. Berg; stories and theories, David N. Berg; intergroup stories everywhere!, David N. Berg; what stories does a group psychotherapist hear?, David N. Berg. Part 2 The problem of interpretation - which story are you receiving?: tuning in on the group-as-a-whole, Marshall Edelson; the characters change, the plot remains the same, David N. Berg. Part 3 Individual vs group: on being a group member 1, Marshall Edelson; on being a group member 2, David N. Berg; the movie group, Marshall Edelson; diversity and group formation, Marshall Edelson; morality, David N. Berg. Part 4 Using and abusing authority: leaders and followers, Marshall Edelson; teaching psychotherapy - a subversive activity, Marshall Edelson; rebellion, David N. Berg. Part 5 Pernicious processes in groups: thrown to the wolves, Marshall Edelson; scapegoating, Marshall Edelson; individual frames, intergroup scripts and scapegoating, David N. Berg; gender, Marshall Edelson; group identities, David N. Berg; belling the cat, Marshall Edelson. Part 6 Intergroup relations: the search for community, Marshall Edelson; openness, David N. Berg; the effects of intergroup relations on collective problem-solving, Marshall Edelson; betweenness, David N. Berg. Part 7 Using groups to help people: group dynamics for group psychotherapies, Marshall Edelson; the now-and-future role of groups in psychiatry, Marshall Edelson.