Relational Group Psychotherapy: An Overview: Part I: Foundational Principles and Practices

Abstract

By our theories, techniques, personality, and spontaneous behaviour, we define how group relationships, and experiences are to be regarded, and the emotional depth to which exchanges may be considered. In a three-part series, I present an overview of my approach to relationally based group psychotherapy. I assume that the need for ‘truth’, that is, emotional meaning is primary organizer of group formation and process. Individuals and groups cycle through an interactive interplay of mental states, both to seek and avoid truth seeking, Topics introduced in Part I include a brief introduction to relational theory and its historical foundation; the efficacy of combined-individual psychotherapy; the centrality and activity of the therapist; and the description of some key foundational concepts: ‘G’ (urge to group), emotional truth and falsity, interplay of mental categories, basic affects (Bion’s LHK), and passion.