Reinforcement and Containment in (Therapeutic) Groups

Abstract

The manifold interactions between the members of (therapeutic) groups lead to an actualization of past experiences with corresponding transferences as well as to a containment in the here and now. When the group is treated as a whole, narcissistic injuries may be experienced by the members that can culminate in a negative outcome of group psychotherapy. In groups led by a therapist focusing on both the participating individuals and the group situation, the narcissistic injuries in general do not reach so deep and can be contained by fostering cognitive sensitization and intellectual reflection. The density of interactions within the group confronts the triggered emotions with a containing social reality. Transferences to group members regarded as self-objects may also occur in the group leader The supervision of group psychotherapists, either singly or group style, may help the psychotherapists to liberate themselves from their narcissistic needs and thereby to gain more freedom themselves and allow more freedom to the group members whom they treat.