Angry, weeping women? group treatment for depression

Abstract

Abstract This article describes three separate therapy groups for depressed women conducted over a 10-year time period. Through observation and analysis of letters, transcripts, and case notes from the three short-term therapy groups, the authors identify and summarize therapeutic concerns. Concerns include fears about associating with other people who are depressed, difficulty with managing anger and competition, problems with various transitions (i.e., ending relationships, changing life circumstances, or altering career plans), and coping with loss. These therapeutic concerns are analyzed in a reflexive manner to highlight social constructionist, feminist thought. Feminist thinking is compared with more traditional conceptualizations of women and depression throughout the text.