The Practice was founded in 1960 by a group of pioneering psychiatrists led by Dr S.H. Foulkes who was the originator of the Group-Analytic method . It is through the practice and the work of the colleagues that various forms of psychotherapies were established and developed. The members of the practice first established The Group Analytic Society and it's first journal GAIPAC (Group Analysis International Panel and Correspondence) . GAIPAC gave it's place to the current journal of Group Analytic Psychotherapy, Group Analysis . Following the establishment of the Society,The Institute of Group Analysis was founded, and following that, The Institute of Family Therapy . The work of Foulkes continues at the Group-Analytic Practice, where a comprehensive assessment and psychotherapy service is offered, fully informed by the philosophy and method of S.H. Foulkes.
Foulkes had a consulting room at the practice which was later to be inherited by Robin Skynner. These were graced by his increasingly famous curtains. Foulkes' curtains have been said by some to be a metaphor or even representation of the more destructive aspects of human nature which are never expressed fully in Group-Analytic therapy groups. Dr. Robin Skynner was one of the prime initiators in the field of family and group therapy.
Dr. Malcolm Pines took a leading role in enhancing the literature on group analysis through his editorial work in a series of publications, mainly by Routledge Sage and Jessica Kingsley amongst many others. Dr Lionel Kreeger published on the dynamics of The Large Group and Dr. Pat de'Mare introduced and advanced the work on large and medium groups. Mrs Meg Sharpe is known internationally for her work with large groups and supervision. Dr Jeff Roberts has contributed to the literature of therapeutic factors, research in group analysis, therapeutic communities and destructive forces in groups.
The main purpose of the practice is to offer a service of consistently high quality and to contribute to the development of the art and science of psychotherapy. People considering psychotherapy will be invited to discuss their difficulties with a member of the Practice in order to develop a better understanding and decide on the most suitable course of action.
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