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The authors, who have been meeting weekly to discuss experiences and techniques in their conduct of psychotherapeutic groups, answer what they consider valid objections of analysts to group psychotherapy.
Relation between analyst and patient. Loyalty to other group members is sufficient to deter individuals from betraying confidences. This multiple interdependence is a major therapeutic and socializing asset. Transference to the therapist, the bond between the members, is augmented by the presence of competitive or rejecting sibling substitutes.
Multiple interactions. Analysts often feel that the bombardment of many simultaneous different transferences are too difficult for a group therapist to handle. However, the variety of distortions projected by transferences on the therapist and one or more of the group members demonstrates the inconsistency and unreality of the transference. Members act as 'adjunct analysts' for each other. Since the transference reactions are repeated in a number of ways, they are readily recognized by the therapist.
Free association. Free association occurs in group as well as in individual therapy despite interruptions. When one member becomes blocked, others may associate and thereby enable him to continue. The association is largely influenced by the strongly emotional nature of the transference, and by the constant testing by reality which the presence of other members provokes.
Working through. Working through takes place in group as well as in individual analysis, the manifestation of transfernce being elicited by other