Group Therapy: A Live Demonstration
by Molyn Leszcz & Irvin Yalom
In this remarkable demonstration you will witness group therapy and Irvin Yalom’s novel The Schopenhauer Cure come alive simultaneously in two unscripted group psychotherapy sessions. The result is a training video that is destined to become a classic for students of group therapy and Yalom fans alike.
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Group therapy sets the stage for a study in character and transformation in Yalom’s novel. Master group therapist and teacher Molyn Leszcz leads two groups based on the characters and plot, which allows for the major themes and dynamics that occur in all working groups to quickly emerge in full force: authentic interpersonal engagement and feedback, conflict, jealousy, and the prospect of real intimacy.
 
Additionally, you will see Leszcz skillfully demonstrate the core techniques in Yalom’s interpersonal model of group psychotherapy: activating here-and-now interactions, reflection on group process, and the judicious use of therapist transparency. Commentary by Yalom and Leszcz help the viewer gain deeper understanding of the subtleties and nuances that occur in these fast-paced groups. 

What therapists are saying…

"Group Therapy: A Live Demonstration is superb in every way...and ought to be included in every curriculum on the process of long-term group therapy. There is a flow and genius on all fronts. I cannot wait to use this set as part of my teaching and supervision of group therapy."

-- Leslie M. Lothstein, PhD, Reviewed in APA PsycCRITIQUES

"Victor Yalom may have outdone himself with this 2-DVD training opportunity that he produced, showcasing his father, Irvin Yalom's ideas and approach. Group Therapy: A Live Demonstration is actually the training DVD that will help you teach or learn the beauty, complexity, simplicity and magic of group therapy. It shows you how through an expertly produced, live demonstration. The DVD is easy to follow and actually has memorable scenes that are powerful teaching elements. It is incredible...I not only recommend this DVD; I would require it for any student. It is that good!"

-- John D. Lentz, D.Min, reviewed in The Milton H. Erickson Foundation Newsletter
"This wonderful demonstration of group therapy, based on Yalom's novel 'The Schopenhauer Cure', clearly exemplifies Yalom's approach to groups, in which the therapist's interventions are targeted at the process, and stay in the here-and-now. The group vignettes, led by Molyn Leszcz, are rich and vivid, and the discussion by Irving Yalom himself deepens understanding the therapist's role. A must for every group therapist student and practitioner."

-- Haim Weinberg, PhD, Fellow AGPA, Publisher, group-psychotherapy.com
"I have watched many videos that demonstrate group therapy and this is the best one for demonstrating technique for both new and seasoned group therapists. It has the added bonus of having the clinical analysis of Irvin Yalom, MD and the gifted therapeutic skills of Molyn Leszcz, MD. Actors working without a script gives this a 'live' feeling. My students have been riveted from the moment it begins. I highly recommend this for any training facility."

-- Rose P. Phelps, MFT, Group Training Supervisor and Faculty, The Psychotherapy Institute, Berkeley, Calif.
"This video product both illustrates the unfolding of group process, and demonstrates how the therapist can marshal it to move members toward their goals….the live demonstration provides a vivid opportunity for students to learn about fundamental aspects of the workings of the group….this series is an extremely fine addition to the still small library of video training resources on group psychotherapy. We believe that every group psychotherapy instructor and supervisor will benefit by incorporating these DVDs into his or her work with students and trainees."

-- Virginia Brabender, PhD and Rachel Ginzberg, PhD, reviewed in The International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.
"A masterpiece of a DVD on group therapy which provides new and experienced therapists valuable tools for the study and practice of group counseling....a must see for fans of Irvin Yalom and Molyn Leszcz."

--David Powell, PhD, reviewed in Journal of Groups in Addiction and Recovery.
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This video captures a historic presentation at the American Group Psychotherapy Association Annual Meeting, and the release has been eagerly anticipated.  It is a must see for group therapists and fans of Irvin Yalom and Molyn Leszcz alike.  The video is enhanced by a discussion between Irvin Yalom and  Victor Yalom.

By watching this video, you will:
• See Yalom’s model of group therapy in action.
• Learn techniques for engaging and maintaining the group in here-and-now interactions.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of this approach.

This promises to be a valuable training video for years to come....and is entertaining to boot.  If you haven't read The Schopehauer Cure, this video should inspire you to do so. The actors do a superb job of embodying the characters of this novel.

If you want a video that provides systematic training in group therapy, we would recommend the classic series by Yalom Understanding Group Psychotherapy, but if you want a more current video to supplement your training, and see another therapist's style of leading Yalom style interpersonally oriented group, then Group Therapy: A Live Demonstration will fit the bill. If you'd to learn how to apply Yalom's interpersonal model to working with addictions, we strongly recommend Group Therapy for Addictions: An Interpersonal Relapse Prevention Approach; this is really a superb training video.

Length of video: 3:21:38

English subtitles available

Individual ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-249-2

Group ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-250-6

Molyn Leszcz, MD, CGP, FAGPA is the Psychiatrist-in-Chief at Mount Sinai Hospital and Professor and Head of the Group Psychotherapy Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto. Dr. Leszcz co-chaired the American Group Psychotherapy Association’s Science to Service Task Force, the working group that published AGPA’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy in 2007. He has been awarded Fellowship in the Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association, and has been the recipient of a number of teaching awards at the University of Toronto. Dr. Leszcz has co-authored with Dr. Irvin Yalom the 5th edition of The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy.

Psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom, MD has been a major figure in the field of psychotherapy since he first wrote The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy in 1970 (now in it's 5th edition). Other significant contributions have included Existential Psychotherapy, and NY Times Bestseller Loves Executioner and Other Tales of Psychotherapy. He has written four novels on psychotherapy: When Nietzsche Wept, Lying on the Couch, The Schopenhauer Cure, and The Spinoza Problem.  His works, translated into over 20 languages, have been widely read by therapists and non-therapists alike. Visit Dr. Yalom's website.


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CE credits: 3.25

Learning Objectives:

  • See Yalom’s model of group therapy in action.
  • Learn techniques for engaging and maintaining the group in here-and-now interactions.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of this approach.

Bibliography available upon request

This course is offered for ASWB ACE credit for social workers. See complete list of CE approvals here

© 2011

Course Reviewed January 2021

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