Some Ideas on How Group Analysis Can Survive: Response to Lecture by Jane Campbell

Abstract

Jane Campbell is a master of words and language and presents a strong plea for group analysis, in a poetic, metaphoric way. But what is she really saying? What are her beliefs? Remembering how the Sirens ‘lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island’, I have chosen to comment indirectly by presenting some of my own associations which were activated by her lecture. My comments will touch upon the context of group analysis, on training and practice, and on the differences between treatment goals and life goals. Do we all agree on what group analysis is and what characterizes a group analyst? Are we really persecuted, or can some criticism be justified because we have failed to validate what group analysis may offer? The field needs a thorough discussion of what the essentials of group analysis are. Another important issue is how group analysis can be adapted according to the needs of different patient groups. Training should mainly be according to ‘the university model’ and include research based on an array of different methodological approaches.

Keywords

group analysis training practice research

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