The Tripartite Matrix in the Developing Theory and Expanding Practice of Group Analysis

Reviews / Votes

"This book provides multidimensional connections between group analysis, psychoanalysis, social studies and anthropology. The application of the concept of the tripartite matrix in group analysis is highly relevant to our attempts to understand the complexities of our time. The transcultural clinical examples help the reader to build an encompassing perspective of group work and its social psychodynamics. This new collection of chapters will be useful and stimulating for anyone interested in how groups work, and how they can be used in order to enhance processes of therapy for the members of them." - Domenico Agresta, Clinical and Community Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Group Analyst. Formerly Trustee of the Gordon Lawrence Foundation (GLF), now a Founder Member of "Social Dreaming International Network" (SDiN).

"This new book enriches our understanding of the social unconscious and the tripartite matrix in Group Analysis. It will be extremely useful to individual and group psychotherapists in many schools of thought. The international selection of contributing authors are master chefs, who have prepared an intellectual feast that is appetising, filling, and nourishing for both senior colleagues and their students!" - Richard Beck, Former President of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy & Group Processes (IAGP), Senior Lecturer at Columbia University, Honorary Member, Italian Society for Psychosomatic Medicine.

"This new co-creation is an amalgam of deep clinical experience and social and psychoanalytical theory. The multicultural orientations and international "locations" of the contributors plus their intersectional sensitivities make this book essential for relational clinicians and relational theorists more generally. We are compelled to think more deeply and in new ways about socially unconscious processes in persons and among persons, within their various and numerous groupings." - Stavros Charalambides, CGP, Psychoanalyst, Director of Institute for Relational and Group Psychotherapy Ltd (Greece), Certified Group Therapy Supervisor (Yalom Institute USA), International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy (IARPP) Board of Directors (elected). Co-chair of the Special Interest Group for Couples, Families, Groups.

"The theory and concept of the tripartite matrix in Group Analysis link social theory and psychoanalysis. Authors from the East and the West, and from the North and the South reveal the fecundity and fertility of working with the social unconscious in persons, groups, and societies, enabling a deeper exploration of topics ranging from intersectionality to addiction. Of lasting value to social scientists and clinicians in private practice and in public settings!" - Helgis Torres Cristofaro, PhD. Clinical psychoanalyst for individuals and groups. Former director of the Open University for Environment and Peace Culture (UMAPAZ) and former senior member of the Sao Paulo City Council for Sustainable Development and Environment (CADES).

"A fundamental manual for psychologists, psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, group analysts and for all those who seek a clearer and more complex vision of individual, group and social functioning. S.H. Foulkes was revolutionary in broadening the focus of psychoanalysis. In this new work on the tripartite matrix and the social unconscious, Hopper and his international colleagues expand the field of Group Analysis. They improve our ability to interpret those unconscious phenomena that structure and define our human realities." - Alfonso D'Auria, Psychologist, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, Group Analyst in private practice in Rome. Full Member of the Group Analytic Society International (GASI), Former member of the Management Committee of the Italian Association of Group Analysis (IL CERCHIO) and the Confederation of Italian Organizations for Analytical Research on Groups (COIRAG).

"This compilation of contemporary developments in the theory and practice of Group Analysis illustrates the application of principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to clinical work. Under the baton of Earl Hopper, experienced authors from many countries articulate with exceptional clarity the concept of the Tripartite Matrix, the social unconscious and related concepts. Entirely relevant for all who are interested in social and political sciences and various group practices!" - Heloisa Fleury, President of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy & Group Processes (IAGP). Editor-in-Chief of the Brazilian Journal of Psychodrama. Co-Editor of Psychodrama in Brazil (2022) and author of many books, chapters and articles in Brazilian and international scientific journals.

"No one has contributed more to the internationalisation of group analysis than the esteemed Dr Earl Hopper, trained not only as a sociologist and psychoanalyst, but also as a group analyst. In this hugely important book, Hopper has assembled a rich community of forward-thinking colleagues from many countries who have created inspiring chapters which investigate a variety of topics ranging from envy to addiction to the inability to mourn. This collection will become an essential text in all of our libraries." - Professor Brett Kahr. Senior Fellow, Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology, London. Honorary Director of Research, Freud Museum, London.

"Earl Hopper and his international colleagues surprise us with their nuanced approach to understanding socially unconscious processes in terms of the concept of the tripartite matrix, thereby linking group analysis, psychoanalysis, and social sciences. This original work helps develop the theories of Foulkes and other foundational thinkers. We are given many insights into a variety of cultural worlds. Let us hope for a translation of this important book into the German language." - Beatrice Kustor, PhD, Group Analyst and Psychotherapist. Member of the Institute of Group Analysis Heidelberg and of the Group Analytic Society International (GASI). Founder of the German and Polish group. Editor of the German Group Analysis.

"This new book in the series on the social unconscious in society, groups and persons is an inspiration to all who are interested in the social nature of humanity. Earl Hopper and a selection of international colleagues contribute to our further understanding of this phenomenon both theoretically and empirically as well as clinically. It is a "must-read" - Uri Levin, Clinical Psychologist, Group Analyst, and Organizational Consultant in private practice in Tel Aviv.

"Group Analysis is a field in which the individual, interpersonal and social meet, firmly grounded upon interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary concepts, such as the social unconscious. In collaboration with a set of distinguished international colleagues, Earl Hopper continues to develop the theory of the tripartite matrix, and applies it to both research and clinical practice. Given that "All groups are microcosms of their contextual society and its many organizations and institutions", this new collection of papers will contribute to further elaboration of socially unconscious constellations, both our own and those of others." - Konstantinos Liolios, MD, Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Group Analyst. Chair of the Analytic Group Section of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP).

"Freud states, "It is a very remarkable thing that the unconscious of one human being can react upon that of another, without passing through the conscious. This deserves closer investigation...". And this is precisely what Earl Hopper and his colleagues continue to do. The conceptualisation of the Tripartite Matrix involves the interplay of socio-group-personal organisation that provides a creative specification of possibilities for the exploration of the personification of co-created roles, especially in clinical settings. This work will be of interest to group analysts, sociologists and hopefully psychological therapists in general." - Del Loewenthal, Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapy and Counselling, University of Roehampton, London, U.K.

"The theory and concept of the social unconscious continue to be developed by Earl Hopper and our international colleagues. Essential for both psychoanalysis and group analysis, this extends the cornerstone concept of psychoanalysis - the unconscious - and returns it in a more complex form, which is open to other types of knowledge, and allows us better to understand the Human Being of the future." - Isaura Manso Neto, MD, Psychiatrist, Training Group Analyst and current president of the Portuguese Society of Group Analysis and Group Analytic Psychotherapy. Former member of the Management Committee of the Group Analytic Society International (GASI).

"These reflections and analyses of Earl Hopper and his international contributors are grounded in years of clinical experience with individuals and groups. "Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself", Churchill once said, perhaps somewhat curiously for an Englishman. An honest and authentic integration of clinical practice and hermeneutics, of the study of social phenomena and heuristics, this book represents contemporary Group Analysis at its best. Few savants can navigate as lightly and comprehensively among the domains of psychoanalysis, sociology, political sciences, and epistemology." - Roberta Mineo, Academic. Scholar of group dynamics. Friend.

"The study of the Social Unconscious is flourishing. It is a further step towards understanding the foundational dynamics that drive us as war breaks out and global upheaval deepens. I would like to pay tribute to the continuing efforts of the editors and authors of this and the preceding volumes of this series." - Professor Kaoru Nishimura, International Christian University, Japan. Editor-in-chief, FORUM, International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes. Board Member, Japanese Association for Group Psychotherapy.

T"his book fills a gap in the theory that underpins the connections among group analysis, sociology, social psychology, and psychoanalysis. The Editor and contributors focus on the group, society, and the individual in the context of transgenerational processes. As a radical step forward for the work of all group therapists and social scientists, this book will become a standard text for colleagues and students alike." - Gerhard Wilke, Member of the Institute of Group Analysis, UK. Hon. Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners. Hon. Fellow of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Process (IAGP). "This book provides multidimensional connections between group analysis, psychoanalysis, social studies and anthropology. The application of the concept of the tripartite matrix in group analysis is highly relevant to our attempts to understand the complexities of our time. The transcultural clinical examples help the reader to build an encompassing perspective of group work and its social psychodynamics. This new collection of chapters will be useful and stimulating for anyone interested in how groups work, and how they can be used in order to enhance processes of therapy for the members of them." - Domenico Agresta, Clinical and Community Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Group Analyst. Formerly Trustee of the Gordon Lawrence Foundation (GLF), now a Founder Member of "Social Dreaming International Network" (SDiN).

"This new book enriches our understanding of the social unconscious and the tripartite matrix in Group Analysis. It will be extremely useful to individual and group psychotherapists in many schools of thought. The international selection of contributing authors are master chefs, who have prepared an intellectual feast that is appetising, filling, and nourishing for both senior colleagues and their students!" - Richard Beck, Former President of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy & Group Processes (IAGP), Senior Lecturer at Columbia University, Honorary Member, Italian Society for Psychosomatic Medicine.

"This new co-creation is an amalgam of deep clinical experience and social and psychoanalytical theory. The multicultural orientations and international "locations" of the contributors plus their intersectional sensitivities make this book essential for relational clinicians and relational theorists more generally. We are compelled to think more deeply and in new ways about socially unconscious processes in persons and among persons, within their various and numerous groupings." - Stavros Charalambides, CGP, Psychoanalyst, Director of Institute for Relational and Group Psychotherapy Ltd (Greece), Certified Group Therapy Supervisor (Yalom Institute USA), International Association for Relational Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy (IARPP) Board of Directors (elected). Co-chair of the Special Interest Group for Couples, Families, Groups.

"The theory and concept of the tripartite matrix in Group Analysis link social theory and psychoanalysis. Authors from the East and the West, and from the North and the South reveal the fecundity and fertility of working with the social unconscious in persons, groups, and societies, enabling a deeper exploration of topics ranging from intersectionality to addiction. Of lasting value to social scientists and clinicians in private practice and in public settings!" - Helgis Torres Cristofaro, PhD. Clinical psychoanalyst for individuals and groups. Former director of the Open University for Environment and Peace Culture (UMAPAZ) and former senior member of the Sao Paulo City Council for Sustainable Development and Environment (CADES).

"A fundamental manual for psychologists, psychotherapists, psychoanalysts, group analysts and for all those who seek a clearer and more complex vision of individual, group and social functioning. S.H. Foulkes was revolutionary in broadening the focus of psychoanalysis. In this new work on the tripartite matrix and the social unconscious, Hopper and his international colleagues expand the field of Group Analysis. They improve our ability to interpret those unconscious phenomena that structure and define our human realities." - Alfonso D'Auria, Psychologist, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist, Group Analyst in private practice in Rome. Full Member of the Group Analytic Society International (GASI), Former member of the Management Committee of the Italian Association of Group Analysis (IL CERCHIO) and the Confederation of Italian Organizations for Analytical Research on Groups (COIRAG).

"This compilation of contemporary developments in the theory and practice of Group Analysis illustrates the application of principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion to clinical work. Under the baton of Earl Hopper, experienced authors from many countries articulate with exceptional clarity the concept of the Tripartite Matrix, the social unconscious and related concepts. Entirely relevant for all who are interested in social and political sciences and various group practices!" - Heloisa Fleury, President of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy & Group Processes (IAGP). Editor-in-Chief of the Brazilian Journal of Psychodrama. Co-Editor of Psychodrama in Brazil (2022) and author of many books, chapters and articles in Brazilian and international scientific journals.

"No one has contributed more to the internationalisation of group analysis than the esteemed Dr Earl Hopper, trained not only as a sociologist and psychoanalyst, but also as a group analyst. In this hugely important book, Hopper has assembled a rich community of forward-thinking colleagues from many countries who have created inspiring chapters which investigate a variety of topics ranging from envy to addiction to the inability to mourn. This collection will become an essential text in all of our libraries." - Professor Brett Kahr. Senior Fellow, Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology, London. Honorary Director of Research, Freud Museum, London.

"Earl Hopper and his international colleagues surprise us with their nuanced approach to understanding socially unconscious processes in terms of the concept of the tripartite matrix, thereby linking group analysis, psychoanalysis, and social sciences. This original work helps develop the theories of Foulkes and other foundational thinkers. We are given many insights into a variety of cultural worlds. Let us hope for a translation of this important book into the German language." - Beatrice Kustor, PhD, Group Analyst and Psychotherapist. Member of the Institute of Group Analysis Heidelberg and of the Group Analytic Society International (GASI). Founder of the German and Polish group. Editor of the German Group Analysis.

"This new book in the series on the social unconscious in society, groups and persons is an inspiration to all who are interested in the social nature of humanity. Earl Hopper and a selection of international colleagues contribute to our further understanding of this phenomenon both theoretically and empirically as well as clinically. It is a "must-read" - Uri Levin, Clinical Psychologist, Group Analyst, and Organizational Consultant in private practice in Tel Aviv.

"Group Analysis is a field in which the individual, interpersonal and social meet, firmly grounded upon interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary concepts, such as the social unconscious. In collaboration with a set of distinguished international colleagues, Earl Hopper continues to develop the theory of the tripartite matrix, and applies it to both research and clinical practice. Given that "All groups are microcosms of their contextual society and its many organizations and institutions", this new collection of papers will contribute to further elaboration of socially unconscious constellations, both our own and those of others." - Konstantinos Liolios, MD, Psychiatrist, Psychotherapist, Group Analyst. Chair of the Analytic Group Section of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes (IAGP).

"Freud states, "It is a very remarkable thing that the unconscious of one human being can react upon that of another, without passing through the conscious. This deserves closer investigation...". And this is precisely what Earl Hopper and his colleagues continue to do. The conceptualisation of the Tripartite Matrix involves the interplay of socio-group-personal organisation that provides a creative specification of possibilities for the exploration of the personification of co-created roles, especially in clinical settings. This work will be of interest to group analysts, sociologists and hopefully psychological therapists in general." - Del Loewenthal, Emeritus Professor of Psychotherapy and Counselling, University of Roehampton, London, U.K.

"The theory and concept of the social unconscious continue to be developed by Earl Hopper and our international colleagues. Essential for both psychoanalysis and group analysis, this extends the cornerstone concept of psychoanalysis - the unconscious - and returns it in a more complex form, which is open to other types of knowledge, and allows us better to understand the Human Being of the future." - Isaura Manso Neto, MD, Psychiatrist, Training Group Analyst and current president of the Portuguese Society of Group Analysis and Group Analytic Psychotherapy. Former member of the Management Committee of the Group Analytic Society International (GASI).

"These reflections and analyses of Earl Hopper and his international contributors are grounded in years of clinical experience with individuals and groups. "Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself", Churchill once said, perhaps somewhat curiously for an Englishman. An honest and authentic integration of clinical practice and hermeneutics, of the study of social phenomena and heuristics, this book represents contemporary Group Analysis at its best. Few savants can navigate as lightly and comprehensively among the domains of psychoanalysis, sociology, political sciences, and epistemology." - Roberta Mineo, Academic. Scholar of group dynamics. Friend.

"The study of the Social Unconscious is flourishing. It is a further step towards understanding the foundational dynamics that drive us as war breaks out and global upheaval deepens. I would like to pay tribute to the continuing efforts of the editors and authors of this and the preceding volumes of this series." - Professor Kaoru Nishimura, International Christian University, Japan. Editor-in-chief, FORUM, International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Processes. Board Member, Japanese Association for Group Psychotherapy.

"This book fills a gap in the theory that underpins the connections among group analysis, sociology, social psychology, and psychoanalysis. The Editor and contributors focus on the group, society, and the individual in the context of transgenerational processes. As a radical step forward for the work of all group therapists and social scientists, this book will become a standard text for colleagues and students alike." - Gerhard Wilke, Member of the Institute of Group Analysis, UK. Hon. Fellow of the Royal College of General Practitioners. Hon. Fellow of the International Association for Group Psychotherapy and Group Process (IAGP).

"This is the last of four volumes on the Social Unconscious which has been written by an international group of renowned group analysts under the lead of Earl Hopper. The series gives a profound introduction and elaboration on the Paradigm of the Social Unconscious that is a considerable step forward in modern group-analytic theorizing. Volume 4 deals with an expansion of Foulkes`s Matrix concept by the theory of the Social Unconscious and its hermeneutic value in various fields of practice. Although it is best to read all four volumes, volume 4 can be read apart as it gives besides the specific applications also a good general introduction to the topic." - Peter Potthoff, book review, Heidelberg Journal Group Analysis