Commentary by a Group Analyst

The content of this group certainly seems bizarre. However, the group takes place within a context which if it does not actually merit the designation ‘bizarre’ certainly has considerable potential for bizarreness! For me as a group analyst, context is particularly important. What is in the foreground must always be seen against a

background in order for it to be intelligible. There are a number of ways of looking at this group and I need to take a little space to explain the conceptual framework through which I would approach it.

Central to group analytic theory is the concept of matrix. This is the network of communication and shared meaning which develops in a group and through which members articulate both their individuality and their commonality. The matrix has two levels. The foundation matrix is the body of language, assumptions and experience, which all the members store prior to the inception of the group. So in this case we have a group who share the language and experience of being nurses in a large hospital in the north of England. This foundation matrix provides the basis for the development of a particular dynamic matrix which is the product of the evolving communication between the members in the particular group. The dynamic matrix is usually subdivided into four levels: reality content, transference, projective processes and archetypes or social unconscious. It is tempting to hypothesise about this group quite readily at these four levels as follows. Firstly, there are expressions of feeling about the realities of patient care, social life and a painful visit to the dentist. Then there is a mixed transference in which the facilitator is both the benign parent to whom these concerns can be brought, and the potentially threatening dentist whose explorations may bring up painful feelings. There is projection of disgustingness, monstrosity, handicap, hostility, sexuality, ferocity, etc., into patients, students and dentist. And there are undercurrents