Holding in Mind: Intersubjectivity,Subject Relations and the Group

Abstract

Intersubjectivity, the intersection of two (or more) subjectivities, is emerging as a key concept in psychoanalysis. The intersubjective perspective stands in contrast to classical psychoanalytic theorizing and implies that much current thinking about subjectivity and objectivity needs revisiting. Views on subjectivity within philosophy, developmental psychology and psychoanalysis have much to offer group analysis (and, one suspects, vice versa). The everyday assumption that our subjectivity is essentially private is challenged. The article takes a fresh look at the notion of countertransference and emphasizes the group conductor's subjectivity as crucially constitutive of the group process.