Psychodynamic Group Approach

Inclusion and Framing Criteria

For group work, there are favorable criteria (neurosis, psychosomatic problems, anxiety) and unfavorable ones (psychosis or unmedicated psychopathy, acute crises, bedridden patients).

It is recommended not to include family members or partners in the same group in order to maintain confidentiality and freedom of expression.

The setting is vital: it defines the place (private and closed), the frequency (weekly or biweekly), the duration (usually 90 minutes to 2 hours) and clear rules (no use of cell phones, no going out during a process, absolute confidentiality of what is discussed in the group).

Group Phenomena: Roles and Acting Out

Roles emerge in the group that can be assigned, subjective or assumed. It is common to see roles such as the scapegoat (the one who takes the blame), the leader, the therapist's assistant, the silent one or the provocateur.

The analysis focuses on fixed or rigid roles that prevent adaptation. Acting Out in a group is the impulsive discharge of tensions (aggressive or libidinal) without verbal reflection (e.g. hitting something, running away).

The therapist should handle it with neutrality, without censuring but restraining, in order to analyze the function of this discharge in the psychic economy of the individual and its effect on the group.

Summary

Patients with neurosis or anxiety are selected, excluding acute psychotic crises. The setting establishes strict rules of confidentiality, frequency and duration, avoi