Book Review: Maschwitz, R., Müller, F., Waldhoff, H.P. eds., Die Kunst der Mehrstimmigkeit, Gruppenanalyse als Modell für die Zivilisierung von Konflikten (The Art of Polyphony, Group Analysis as a Model of Civilising Conflict). Gießen: PsychosozialVerlag, 2009

Abstract

Part 11, on 'Fellowship and Sharing', describes the deliberately minimal organizational structures of AA. Remarkably its principles are perpetuated more by a storytelling tradition (supported by written traditions) rather than any authoritative doctrines. How AA 'sharing' works is examined in chapter six, with O' Halloran drawing on dialogical theory. The case transcripts (which all derive from publicly available convention transcripts, thus avoiding confidentiality issues) are illuminating, as is the analysis offered-e.g. stories as a means of strengthening 'autobiographical commitment' and the promotion in AA of equal 'speaking rights'. Those unfamiliar with (e.g. 'open') AA meetings, will find a good introduction to what happens, the turn-taking convention, and the particular forms of 'speech act' that occur, to use a useful idea from linguistics.The final section of the book is entitled 'Entering the Dialogic'. I found the theory of story well set out, such as the ways in which stories are told and retold and how, in the telling, the 'interactive flow tends to be reiterative and circular, rather than linear' (p. 161). AA groups exemplify the reconstructive power of self-narration and identification, with interaction, so to speak, between the 'former self and the ' recovering self'; as O'Halloran argues, 'this engagement between present and past selves is probably the most central activity in AA storytelling, creating as it does the distance required for self-evaluation ' (p. 199). I particularly liked the author's notion of stories as 'working drafts' that are continually produced and revised over the course of time-how true of AA stories and how true of any other story of oneself in life.Elsewhere (Weegmann, 2004), I have argued that group analysts can learn much from fellowship groups. Their mode of being together and norms of 'sharing' differ markedly from group psychotherapy, but the two can, I am convinced, work well, side by side. Halloran's excellent research provides a text from which we can learn more.

Book Review: Maschwitz, R., Müller, F., Waldhoff, H.P. eds., Die Kunst der Mehrstimmigkeit, Gruppenanalyse als Modell für die Zivilisierung von Konflikten (The Art of Polyphony, Group Analysis as a Model of Civilising Conflict). Gießen: PsychosozialVerlag, 2009

“…AA groups exemplify the reconstructive power of self-narration and identification, with interaction, so to speak, between the 'former self and the ' recovering self'; as O'Halloran argues, 'this engagement between present and past selves is probably the most central activity in AA storytelling, creating as it does the distance required for self-evaluation ' (p. 199). I particularly liked the author's notion of stories as 'working drafts' that are continually produced and revised over the course of time-how true of AA stories and how true of any other story of oneself in life.Elsewhere (Weegmann, 2004), I have argued that group analysts can learn much from fellowship groups. Their mode of being together and norms of 'sharing' differ markedly from group psychotherapy, but the two can, I am convinced, work well, side by side.…”

“…Elsewhere (Weegmann, 2004), I have argued that group analysts can learn much from fellowship groups. Their mode of being together and norms of 'sharing' differ markedly from group psychotherapy, but the two can, I am convinced, work well, side by side.…”

Book Review: O’Halloran, Seán Talking Oneself Sober: The Discourse of Alcoholics Anonymous. Amherst, New York: Cambria Press, 2008

“…Elsewhere (Weegmann, 2004), I have argued that group analysts can learn much from fellowship groups. Their mode of being together and norms of 'sharing' differ markedly from group psychotherapy, but the two can, I am convinced, work well, side by side.…”