In this response, I elaborate on the important themes discussed by John Schlapobersky in his Foulkes lecture: those of relating, reflecting and reparation. I will focus on language in groups, and especially the language of the unspeakable. I will argue that there are other themes that are also active in the group analytic process: especially the theme of recovery and reconnection. I will illustrate my argument with quotes from a therapy group in a secure psychiatric hospital, and make reference to the musical nature of the group analytic process. I will suggest that we need more research into the process of group interactions to understand what factors are therapeutic.
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