Toward Understanding and Treating Violence in America: Some Contributions From Group Dynamic and Group Therapy Perspectives: Introduction to Part II

Abstract

The co-editors of the journal’s two special issues on “Violence in America” from group psychotherapy and mental health standpoints review the articles in Part I and introduce the articles in Part II. The latter includes articles on anger management in groups, group psychotherapy for domestic violence, domestic “homegrown” terrorism, and two general commentaries. The co-editors provide broad reference points for the focus on clinical concerns, levels of treatment, variations in types of perpetrators, screening for groups, and the group-as-a-whole, relational, and social contexts of violence. Whether in small therapy groups, social interventions, or society’s management of violence, empathy, boundaries, holding, and containment must be provided in such a way that they prevent violent acts while healing the hurts and shame that underlie violence in all its forms. Therapists’ familiarity with these issues in their work can contribute fruitfully to treatment efforts and addressing a pressing social problem.