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Timing and Timelessness in Group Analysis: The Unconscious Setting of the Group

Tees and North East Yorkshire NHS Trust, stephen_arcari{at}hotmail.com

Sitting patients in a circle and facilitating free-floating discussion has particular effects. Viewed with Matte-Blanco's reformulation of unconscious forces, the circle - a ubiquitous seating arrangement and symbol in group analysis - can be said to enhance the inherent symbolic representation of infinity in the psychic structure of a group. I would characterize this effect as the `unconscious setting of the group'. Taking account of the unconscious setting of the group has implications for our understanding of the technique of group analysis; in particular Foulkes's idea of the horizontal transference within a group analytic group and its relationship to the use and timing of the interpretative activity of the conductor is illustrated. The transitional space within the group matrix encourages symmetrical thinking and can be experienced simultaneously as frightening, confusing and helpful.

Key Words: group • horizontal transference • symmetrical thinking • transitional space • unconscious setting of the group

Group Analysis, Vol. 36, No. 1, 87-96 (2003)
DOI: 10.1177/0533316403036001204


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