Migration, Identity and Group Analysis

Abstract

Migrants from one country to another may experience a profound disturbance of their individual, social and cultural identities. A group-analytic psychotherapy group provides a microcosm of the adopted culture. Membership of such a group may enable immigrants to develop a sense of belonging to the group and thus to resolve, or resolve again, their `crises' of `identity v. identity confusion' in the new culture. Through the processes of identification, belonging and learning to share the language of the group, a sense of intimacy with others may be achieved.