Groups / moderated by Robert Kuttner

Dr. Bruce Maliver, Dr. Martin Shepard, and Terry Becker discuss different approaches to group dynamics, including group therapy, encounter groups, sensitivity groups, and womens’ consciousness raising groups. Dr. Bruce Maliver is a psychoanalyst, a practitioner of group therapy, and critic of encounter groups. Dr. Martin Shepard is the director of training at Anthos, an encounter center, and is a physician and psychiatrist. Terry Becker is an organizer of women’s consciousness raising groups and a member of New York Radical Feminists. Dr.s Maliver and Shepard discuss whether or not they feel real psychological or mental health progress can be made in group settings. Becker gives a basic description of consciousness raising groups, why they exist, how they work, and the outcomes for the participants. The interviewer is Bob Kuttner.