Introduction

Abstract

This book presents multifaceted perspectives of women group psychotherapy leaders, to develop contextually informed models of group leadership and healing. Group psychotherapy literature has paid limited attention to dynamics relating to the leader’s gender. This book examines embedded assumptions about gender, intersecting identities, and power that impact women’s perspectives as group psychotherapists, mentors, and educators. Integrating a range of theoretical, clinical, and experiential material, these chapters encourage deeper gender and cultural intelligence among psychotherapy group leaders. A unifying thread is a reckoning/wrestling with the idea of an “objective” therapeutic frame, while encouraging diverse viewpoints and space for mutual influence. The chapters critically examine theoretical, cultural, and personal paradigms, challenging societally embedded norms regarding leadership identity, caretaking, and authority. Authors discuss personal experience, theories, training, mentorship, and clinical work that have supported their skill and flexibility. Many explore the challenges of maintaining a stance that is nurturing and empathic, yet robust enough to manage boundaries, and handle aggression. All offer guidance and clinical wisdom which will inspire, scaffold, and embolden psychotherapy group leaders. This book intends to spark dialogue about the overlapping and conflicting dynamics of privilege, oppression, and leader experience in our psychotherapy groups and daily lives.