version: UK | USA | International

Building on Bion: Roots

Building on Bion: Roots

Origins and Context of Bion's Contributions to Theory and Practice

Edited by Robert M. Lipgar and Malcolm Pines

Number 20 in the International Library of Group Analysis series

Paperback: £29.99 / $49.95

2002, 234mm x 156mm / 9.25in x 6in, 272pp
ISBN: 978-1-84310-710-1, BIC 2: JMH JMAF MMJT

add to cart
  • description |
  • contents |

'Two volumes of original papers by leading thinkers and practitioners of group therapy... The diverse collection that has informed and stimulated my thinking.'

- International Journal of Group Psychotherapy

'The concepts that I liked were about the truth, the unknowable and unknown, and the functions he devised to communicate what is going on in the patients' world to other psychoanalyst.

I am glad that I read these books with their wide range of ideas and I have gained insights which will make me more aware in my psychodrama practice.'

- British Journal of Psychodrama.

'The book begins with a wonderful introduction by James Grotstien, a theorist whose grasp of Bion is enriched by his own formidable ideas. He sets the stage for what's to follow, toucing on Bion's groundbreaking work with groups, his formalizing of psychotic experience and several key concepts, like Bion's elaboration on the concept of projective identification. Grotstien's prose is remarkable. He conveys ideas about the most complex internal states with a clarity and reach that is unparalled, even by Bion himself. This is without a doubt a richly rewarding and ultimately exhausting text.'

- www.mentalhelp.net

This stimulating collection of papers by distinguished international contributors from the fields of psychoanalysis, group analysis, management consultancy and social science explores formative influences affecting Bion's emotional and intellectual development. The authors revisit in depth the origins of Bion's ideas, setting them in the context of his World War I experiences, his contact with Trotter, and his later work with the Tavistock Clinic and psychoanalysis. Chapters discuss the roots of his epistemology, re-examining and extending basic assumption theory; links between Bion and Foulkes; group mentality and Bion in Italy. Through these the spirit and shape of his work can be discovered by those new to Bion, and rediscovered by those who feel well acquainted with him.

This is a collection of original and insightful papers which, along with its companion volume Building on Bion: Branches, will not only deepen understanding of Bion's contributions to theory and practice, but will also be invaluable to those who work with groups, in both therapeutic and management contexts.

By the same authors


Self Experiences in Group

Intersubjective and Self Psychological Pathways to Human Understanding

Edited by Irene N H Harwood and Malcolm Pines
Introduction by Ernest Wolf


Circular Reflections

Selected Papers on Group Analysis and Psychoanalysis

Malcolm Pines
Introduction by Earl Hopper


Group Psychotherapy of the Psychoses

Concepts, Interventions and Contexts

Edited by Victor L. Schermer and Malcolm Pines


A Workbook of Group-Analytic Interventions

David Kennard, Jeff Roberts and David A. Winter
With a contribution from Yiannis Arzoumanides
With a contribution from Malcolm Pines

Cover of Bion and Group Psychotherapy

Bion and Group Psychotherapy

Edited by Malcolm Pines

Cover of The Evolution of Group Analysis

The Evolution of Group Analysis

Edited by Malcolm Pines

Cover of Dreams in Group Psychotherapy

Dreams in Group Psychotherapy

Theory and Technique

Claudio Neri, Malcolm Pines and Robi Friedman

Cover of Building on Bion: Branches

Building on Bion: Branches

Contemporary Developments and Applications of Bion's Contributions to Theory and Practice

Edited by Robert M. Lipgar and Malcolm Pines

Cover of Building on Bion: Roots and Branches

Building on Bion: Roots and Branches

Two volume set

Edited by Robert M. Lipgar and Malcolm Pines

People who bought this, also bought

Cover of Bion and Group Psychotherapy

Bion and Group Psychotherapy
Edited by Malcolm Pines

Cover of Building on Bion: Roots and Branches

Building on Bion: Roots and Branches: Two volume set
Edited by Robert M. Lipgar and Malcolm Pines