Lived experiences of diversity in group analytic training and as a qualified group analyst: an autoethnographic study

Abstract

My evocative and analytical autoethnography explored the lived experience of diversity during group analytic training and as group analyst. Bakhtin’s dialogism was used to analyse texts. Data analysis has revealed pervasive experiences of racism and discomfort about social class and gender disparity. Religion was not included in my training and achieving feminine autonomy was difficult in group analysis. Linked to patriarchy, colonialism, and perhaps the Holocaust, my analysis suggests that we need to rethink gender and religious certainties. Our morality leaves much to be desired when we do not embrace polyphony, diverse voices. Embracing diversity may also entail discarding the Oedipus Complex. Group analytic training institutes should consider different fee structures so that disadvantaged people can join our elitist circle.