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A New Pluralistic Paradigm for Research: Diverse Methods for Researching Analytic and Other Groups

Author(s) : Susanne Vosmer

Reviews and Endorsements

Acquainted with Susanne Vosmer’s previous publications, I have been impressed by her range and willingness to ‘think new thoughts’ about the trade of psychotherapy and group analysis. She brings a wealth of insights from psychology and other disciplines to her work.

I am excited to read about her new book project and admire the ambition involved, to create a handbook of research for group analysis whilst noting that group analysis can itself constitute a useful mode of re-search. This is long overdue. Wide ranging scope it aims to cover many existing nodes of research but take it further, to integrate the contribution of non-Western, non-ethnocentric modes of knowledge. Perspectives from far Eastern philosophy and practice, and indigenous experience, for examples, are seldom included in psychotherapy literature let alone research, and are welcome (essential) guests to the table for further understanding.

I heartily recommend this book proposal and believe it will address some significant gaps in our present knowledge. I do not know of another book written in this spirit.
Martin Weegmann, Clinical Psychologist, Group Analyst and writer

In her groundbreaking book, Susanne Vosmer initiates a truly pluralistic discussion on research in Analytic and other forms of Group Psychotherapy. She constructs an alternative yet complementary framework to evidence-based research, going beyond Eurocentric and American-centered models of knowledge and research practice. Vosmer writes about research in a “re-searching” way: open, reflective, and critically engaged.

The book not only offers a more complex and nuanced perspective on research in group psychotherapy, but also introduces a wide array of methods. Importantly, Vosmer does not privilege one methodology over another; instead, she fosters a dialogue between qualitative and quantitative approaches, promoting mutual enrichment rather than competition.

This is an essential read for both researchers and clinicians interested in the evolving landscape of group psychotherapy research.
Anna Zajenkowska, Associate Professor at Vizja University in Warsaw

This is a timely and much needed volume that will illuminate many group-analytic research projects in different countries and cultures. Susanne Vosmer has produced a comprehensive text that goes beyond conventional Western conceptions of reality, knowledge and truth. In fact, she incorporates cross-cultural and complementary philosophical conceptions, and successfully challenges unnecessary divisions between the traditional quantitative and qualitative research paradigms. Group analysts shall value the usefulness of this book, which validates clinical effectiveness and also explores research methodology into median, large, and organisational consultancy groups. I can warmly recommend it.
Arturo Ezquerro, consultant psychiatrist, group analyst, and author of Group Analysis Throughout the Life Cycle

As Susanne Vosmer writes in her introduction to this important book, group analytic research is a “neglected child”. Her book offers cogent arguments for giving this offspring proper care and attention. Dr Vosmer has been one of the relatively few passionate advocates for research in group analysis. She has pulled her ideas together and broken new ground in writing the first book in the field of Foulkesian group analysis that is dedicated to research.

As would be expected of her, this book is meticulously researched and written in an accessible and interesting manner. It should appeal to experienced and fledgling researchers. It serves as a “how to do research” guide for those wishing to step into the field of research and to the theories and philosophies underpinning research methodologies. Dr Vosmer highlights that these are rooted in Western thinking. There is a consequential need to question this thinking to ensure that practice and research are relevant to societies that group analysis seeks to serve. Hence, the need for a pluralistic paradigm.

This groundbreaking book should find a readership amongst qualified practitioners, trainees, teachers, academics and researchers. It should find its way onto course reading lists.
Andy Downie, group analyst, supervisor and trainer