The Expression and Experience of Ambivalence in a Melbourne Large Group

Abstract

In 1989, along with twenty-five other individuals interested in group dynamics, I participated in a large group experience in Melbourne, Australia. This was initiated by Dr Peter McCallum and myself following our experience in a Group-Analytic Society (London) Winter Workshop. Dr Stanley Gold and Dr Ann Morgan were the conductors. The group met for one-and-a-half hours at night on a weekly basis for five months.

The following represents some of my reflections about four months after the large group experience ceased. I was invited to contribute comments at an Australian Association of Group Psychotherapy meeting. I had neither made notes during the large group sessions nor since it ended. In addition there was no communication between the conductors and myself on the topic prior to our joint formal presentation. To what degree repression plays a part in what I said I am uncertain.