This paper highlights the engagement phase of a self-psychological analysis of an AIDS group of gay men, where the therapeutic stance and self-object transference provide a function that mirrors the group members' need to remain (self-)cohesive through the expression of passionate rage as a maintained narcissistic posture. This differs from the traditional group psychoanalytic process of advancement of life through interpretation and regression since that can lead to fragmentation and loss of a sense of self.
Clinical treatment of AIDS group psychotherapies often results in premature terminations as patients are unable to face narcissistic injuries of loss of emotional and physical self or an inability for group members to express aggression from having been infected with the AIDS virus.
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