Co-constructing a Group Narrative: One Group's Experience of `Translation' of the Unarticulated Symptom through the Narrative of the Film The Piano

Abstract

This paper sets out to show how one group co-constructed a particular group narrative through the use of film. In so doing they attempted to develop a common narrative which individual members could use to find relief from their conflicts through the telling of their individual stories and find ways of managing difficult feelings in the group. Translation of the unarticulated symptom could take place. The paper examines the role of narrative in the social construction of identity. Clinical material highlights the construction of the narrative around the film The Piano. This narrative serves the function of helping group members find ways to make more palatable difficult feelings such as desire, anger and shame as they emerge in the group.