The Group Self: A Neglected Aspect of Group Psychotherapy

Abstract

The authors explore and expand on Heinz Kohut's concept `the group self', which is related to, yet different from the concepts `intersubjective field' and `group matrix'. The group self is defined as a collective project with inherent ambitions, ideals and resources. From this perspective the authors discuss group-as-a-whole phenomena, empathy, aspects of group development and the kind of discourse appropriate for group psychotherapy. This particular discourse should contain multiple selfobject functions as well as aspects of otherness not accounted for by the selfobject concept. Partaking in this discourse has a beneficial effect by itself which justifies a concept of `discoursive selfobject function'. This selfobject function is of a partial supraindividual nature. Two clinical vignettes illustrates aspects of group self development and fear of depletion of the group self: