An Analysis of Group Avoidance Following a Rare Group Event: A Contribution to Understanding a ‘Near Death Experience’ in Analytic Group Therapy

Abstract

A patient with a compulsive need to act out a near death wish (Joseph, 1982) was asked to join a therapy group as a last resort to a blocked treatment. While in the group, following an interpretation (during a co-joint session) of his violent wish, he acted out by nearly putting himself in a coma towards the end of a group session. The effects of the rare event are discussed in terms of the precipitating interpretation and the group tolerance for primitive regression in an empty and emptied state of indifference. A theoretical discussion follows the clinical material.