64th Annual Conference

Saturday, March 10

Afternoon Workshops

2:15-5:30 P.M.

Workshop 92

The Group as a Hall of Mirrors: A Powerful Force in Illuminating the Awareness of the Defenses

Chair:

Sima Ariam, Ph.D., Private Practice, New York, New York

This workshop will demonstrate how the multiple reflections and the ability to choose among the many transference objects may reflect a denied part of the self and help members become aware of their defenses.   The leader will show how the group’s collective wisdom enlightens this process.

experiential, demonstration, sharing of work experiences, didactic

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Become aware of their varied transference feelings toward the various members in the group.

2. Become aware of the transference choice as a person who may contain the disowned part of themselves.

3. Observe the role of the leader in using the different transference choices to mobilize the patient’s awareness.

4. Experience the role of the collective wisdom influencing the process, as members are in the role of observers, interpreters and maturational agents.

5. Observe the shift from transference feeling toward the leader, to feelings among each other.

Course References:

1. Ormont, L. (1981). Principles and Practice of Conjoint Psychoanalytic Treatment. American Journal of Psychiatry. 138-1. 
2. Ogden, T. (1992). Projective Identification and Psychotherapeutic Technique. New York:  Jason Aronson.
3. Epstein, L. (2004). The Advantage Offered by Psychoanalytic Group Setting for the Activation and Resolution of Certain Transferences Contemporary Psychoanalysis. 40-45.