How suitable is the analytic group for treating people with Parkinson’s?

Abstract

This article examines whether group analysis is suitable for treating Parkinson’s disease. Brief descriptions and conceptualizations of Parkinson’s are provided. I illustrate how conductors could treat mild parkinsonian manifestations in traditional analytic groups by making adaptions to dynamic administration and technique. Counter/transference may provide vital insight into implicit (unconscious) memory and group members’ functioning. While group analysis could be beneficial, it might be harmful, when conductors lack knowledge of neuroscience. On its own, group analysis is inadequate to address the needs of severely depressed and demented people with Parkinson’s. For these clients, groups should only be conducted as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Furthermore, group analysis may be offered as an adjunct to cognitive stimulation and psychoeducational groups. However, before treating people with Parkinson’s, conductors should acquire sufficient knowledge of neurological disorders and the brain, I suggest. This is in line with Foulkes’ thinking.