64th Annual Conference

Thursday, March 8

Morning Workshops

10:00 A.M.-1:15 P.M.

Workshop 5

Membership or Merger, Individuation or Repudiation: The Development of Self in the Group

Chair:         

Robert A. Berley, Ph.D., CGP, Private Practice, Seattle, Washington

Bion observed that "the group is often used to achieve a sense of vitality by total submergence, or a sense of individual independence by total repudiation." This workshop will explore the development of individuality within a matrix of social relatedness, and examine implications for the group therapist.
demonstration, experiential, sharing of work experiences, didactic

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:
1. Describe the impact of differentiation and individuation pressures on the dynamics of a therapy group.
2. Integrate theoretical information regarding the unfolding of separation an individuation in early development with their model of group process.
3. Select therapeutic interventions based on the group’s ongoing developmental expression to facilitate individuation within the interpersonal matrix of group relations.

Course References:

1. Cano, D. (1998). Oneness and Me-ness in the Bag? In P. Talamo, F. Borgogno and S. Merciai. (Eds.). Bion's Legacy to Groups. London: Karnac Books.
2. Cohler, B. and  Stott, F. (1987). Separation, Interdependence, and Social Relations Across the Second Half of Life. In Bloom-Feshbach, J. and Bloom-Feshbach (Eds.). The Psychology of Separation and Loss. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
3. Winnicott, D. (1963, 1965). From Dependence Towards Independence in the Development of the Individual. In D. Winnicott (Ed.). The Maturational Processes and the Facilitating Environment. New York: International Universities Press.