For all therapists who work with adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs), this comprehensive guide to group psychotherapy successfully integrates theory and practice. Providing expert guidance in setting up and running an ACOA group, this handbook addresses the myriad day-to-day problems as well as the fundamental therapeutic issues that can influence a group's success. Insightful discussions on such commonly occurring themes as flight from the group, the search for a rescuer, and fear of losing control help to prepare group leaders for the topics likely to come up as a group continues. Crucial leader issues that affect the work of the ACOA group therapist--especially countertransference--are examined in depth, along with specific leader techniques useful in furthering the development of the group. Concluding chapters focus on the preparation and training of the ACOA group therapist as well as current and future research directions.