Mental Hygiene for Educators: Report on an Experiment Using a Combined Seminar and Group Psychotherapy Approach*

This experiment came about through the initiative and support of the Massachusetts Society for Mental Hygiene.** The Society was interested in extending the psychological understanding of educators as regards their students, their colleagues, and themselves. It was thought that a group psychotherapist with a psychoanalytic background who had worked with children and had some teaching experience would perhaps be most suitable to serve as the group leader.

Announcements which we worked out were mailed to educators in the Boston area who were thought to be actively interested in what modern psychology could contribute to education. In explaining the nature of the seminar, the announcement included the following statements: “After some introductory lectures on dynamic psychology, the seminar will deal with some typical psychological problems which the seminar participants will present from their own experience. In addition, the situations which develop within the seminar itself will be utilized as far as proves possible to further self-understanding.” The announcement also gave the qualifications of the group leader and noted minimum professional qualifications for the participants. It was stated that the seminar was to consist of 12 weekly sessions of 2 hours each and that the fee for attendance was $25.00. It was decided to draw up the application blank in a rather conventional manner and only information about professional training, experience, and present position was requested. This was done with the thought that it may help minimize the stirring up of undue