Bystander,‘mitläufer’,collaborator—a personal reflection on crossing borders between politics and psychotherapy

Abstract

This article explores the tension between our political, ethical, moral and clinical responsibilities as group analysts working with large groups, in the context of facing issues of wrong-doing. It seems clear that when working with small groups or individuals that we are aware of our responsibility concerning safeguarding. But what if we are faced with political violence, wars and atrocities committed and present in the matrix of our large groups?

This article draws on an experience of conducting a group raising questions about our responsibility as group psychotherapists. Do we become bystanders, collaborators or ‘mitläufer’? The article also draws on the author’s personal history growing up in post-war Germany to engage with these and other questions.