Circular Reflections

Malcom Pines, a British psychoanalyst, is a disciple of S.H. Foulkes, the pioneer of group analysis. He was a founder of the Group Analytic Society and the Group Analytic Institute. A superbly lucid exponent of Foulksian theory, he edits the journal "Group Analysis", has edited books, written chapters and numerous papers. This selection of his papers is the first book devoted to his work alone. The subjects chosen include mirroring in the group and in child development; the borderline patient in the group; dissent and schism in the psychoanalysis and group analysis, as well as a history of dynamic psychiatry in Britain. One paper is on the sense of self and its continuity, while perhaps the most fascinating is entitled `What Should a psychotherapist know?' It is no coincidence that `group analysis' precedes 'psychoanalysis' in the subtitle: Pines considers it important and effective. This raises some questions; How can group members, themselves disturbed, help one another? How can group therapy be conducive to individuation? Pines' style is unique; based on arguements carefully constructed with the building stones of psychoanalytic theory, illuminated by sociology, philosophy, and by human understanding, it takes wings with literature and mythology. This book is a pleasure to read and re-read.'

- Psychoanalytic Studies

'This book is a wonderful testament to the outstanding work of an outstanding scholar, Malcom Pines. Collected by his colleague and friend, Meg Sharpe, this medley of papers by Dr. Pines not only offers a review of his considerable contributions to the field of group therapy and group analysis, but it also offers a warm and touching picture of the man himself - Throughout the text we are able to see the author's growth from superb student of his mentor (Foulkes) to brilliant independent theoretician... we are awed by Dr. Pines' comfortable familiarity with poetry and classic Greek literature and his ability to illustrate his points with both. The early articles show Pines' deep and early interest in the complex process of mirroring - both as an aspect of development and a tool of therapeutic change. He reminds us that Winnicott pointed out that "psychoanalysis has neglected the face in favor of the breast" (p.27)... I thoroughly enjoyed and learned from this book. Though covering a...read more...