Group analysis in the treatment of "psychotic" patients

The paper presents a theoretical rationale for group analytic therapy of psychotic patients, as well as benefits resulting from application of this form of psychotherapy to this specific patient group. Modifications of group... [ view full abstract ]

The paper presents a theoretical rationale for group analytic therapy of psychotic patients, as well as benefits resulting from application of this form of psychotherapy to this specific patient group. Modifications of group techniques recommended in the literature are discussed with reference to the author’s own clinical experiences. The author believes that recommendations concerning a more directive and more structured leadership style in group psychotherapy are associated with institutional forms of treatment provision to these patients and with countertransferential mechanisms, and not with their genuine psychological needs. In her opinion firstly, psychotic patients may benefit from their inclusion into heterogeneous groups that comprise patients with different diagnoses, and secondly, the presence of psychotic patients may be beneficial to other group members.
Conclusions:
1. Analytic group therapy is an appropriate method of treatment for psychotic patients.
2. Persons with the experience of psychosis should be included into analytic groups as same as other patients on the Noah’s ark principle. Obviously, the therapist must be convinced that patients with psychotic symptoms are able to benefit from psychotherapy, and besides he must have clinical skills required when working with psychotic symptoms.
3. Psychotic patients are affected by exclusion not only in their communities, but also due to the way of thinking about them that predominates among therapists and in treating institutions.