Blind Spots in Group Psychotherapy: "Why Don't They See Them?"

Abstract

Dual relationships in the training and treatment of group therapists are inherent and endemic to the profession of psychoanalytic group therapy. Independently of theoretical orientation at many training institutes, senior group leaders double as training group analysts, teachers, supervisors, administrators, friends, and sometimes even relatives of group trainees. Further, these trainees are often in the same treatment groups, supervision groups, and classes with each other and may also be friends and relatives. These complicated relationships often blur the boundaries between therapy and not therapy, and they have an incestuous quality. They may even produce iatrogenic treatment reactions when realistic negative perceptions are interpreted as transference and resistance. This can be harmful and can lead to the development of ethical dilemmas and clinical boundary violations. This brief report presents the author's experience leading an open session at AGPA's 2024 Annual Conference that addresses attendees' concerns about this troubling situation.