Group Analysis in the Ukraine

Abstract

This article presents a training project in the Ukraine which has been realized since 1994. It discusses the difficulties and unconscious meanings of working in a foreign culture and of being dependent on an interpreter The expectations and attitudes of the participants are shown to contain anachronisms. These are examined in the light of Ukrainian history and present political situation on the one hand, and of the group process on the other. The most important effect of this work seems to be the change from understanding group analysis as a new dictatorial system, to internalizing its setting as a potential space which provides a frame for free dialogue and intimacy. In this way group analysis can help to develop a deeper understanding of democratic processes.