“Courageously and independently drawing on the ideas of a range of psychoanalytical and group analytical theorists and clinicians, this personal and contemporary text will be of value to colleagues and students in the mental health professions. Dr Sigmund Karterud is both a “hermeneut” and a data driven scientist. His attempts to synthesise several perspectives and orientations are based on his appreciation of the restraints of the human body as well as the constraints of our societies and cultures. This contribution to NILGA illustrates the enduring importance of our diverse and multi-stranded intellectual foundations. We are also challenged to restore our identities as members of a profession which has not yet begun to realise its full potentials.” - Earl Hopper, PhD, Editor of the New International Library of Group Analysis (NILGA)“The author expands and revitalizes group analysis with perspectives from evolution, philosophy and psychology of the self, theories of emotions, mentalization and, above all, personality. An essential reading for people interested in the front-line of contemporary group analytic theory and practice.” - Thor Kristian Island M.D. Founding director of IGA, Norway.“Karterud's groundbreaking work is a much-needed contribution to the field of group analysis. The incorporation of modern personality theories into the analytic matrix enriches the therapeutic toolkit. His emphasis on group analysts' flexibility in attuning to the most complex psychopathology of patients opens space for work with more severe personality disorders.” - Anna Zajenkowska, University of Economics and Human Sciences in Warsaw, Poland; EFFP Group Section Chair.“Karterud is one of the most authoritative voices of contemporary international group analysis, and this book represents the evolution of his thinking and practice. An important text that combines group analysis with group interventions in public services and with more severe personality disorders”. - Maurizio Salis, Director of COIRAG (Italian Confederation of Analytical Research on ETS Groups).