THE PSYCHOANALYTIC GROUP SITUATION

This article explores the theoretical and clinical underpinnings of a specific form of group-centered psychotherapy. In this modality, the n ature of the phenomena developing in the clinical situation are relate d to the prevailing levels of the therapeutic regression occurring in the group. It is suggested that the most regressive phenomena tend to be experienced as groupwide phenomena with individual members assuming the position of part objects whereas lesser degrees of regression cen ter on the experience of whole-object relations. Five dimensions of th e therapeutic situation are explored: regression the group asa setting , the nature of anxiety, the creation of objects and symbolization. Th is model allows for a differentiated exploration Of therapist-centered and peer-centered transferences. A session is discussed in detail.