Group Analytic Psychotherapy – Foundation Certificate

This one-year course introduces students to the theory and practice of Group Analysis.Through participation in reflective practice/work discussion groups, case study seminars,theory seminars as well as a large group and an experiential small therapy group, students experience group analysis in practice and in theory and have opportunities to reflect on their experience. Students explore their own style of relating within a group, as well as group interactions, relationships, and leadership phenomena. The course provides a training in the here-and-now to observe and understand one’s own and other’s experiences in group.

Foundation Course Content

Learning Aim

The Foundation Course aims to introduce students to the model of Group Analysis and itspotential application in clinical and non-clinical settings such as organisations and workgroups. On completion of the Foundation Course students should have an understanding of the important steps to be taken when establishing a group, a basic understanding of the dynamic processes occurring in different groups and be aware of the importance of dynamic administration of the group. Students should acquire fundamental skills for working with groups, an understanding of the role and function of the facilitator/group conductor, be aware of the impact of leadership styles and the relevance of context on the working of the group.

Small Therapy Group

Personal therapy in a Group Analytic setting is the cornerstone of Group Analytic training, underpinning all aspects of learning on the Course. By undergoing Group Analytic Psychotherapy as a group member, the student acquires first-hand experience of the therapeutic potential of Group Analysis. The self-knowledge gained is the foundation for the students’ developing resources. Students will join a small therapy group for the duration of their training. Therapy currently takes place in groups of up to 11 trainees over five sessions each weekend. Group therapy in the small therapy group and large group is confidential in nature students are expected to maintain this boundary at all times.

Large Group

There are two Large Group sessions each weekend involving the total student membershipand a staff group. The Large Group meetings are an integral part of the training and providea forum for discourse and exchange and an opportunity to experience Large Group dynamics.

Theory Seminars 

The course involves case studies and theory seminar which explores Group Analytic concepts with a particular focus on core practice. Students learn about the history and development of Group Analysis with particular emphasis on the work of S.H.Foulkes and the core concepts and skills in the practice of Group Analysis.

Core theoretical concepts of Group Analysis include: Group matrix, levels of communication, translation; condensation; mirroring and resonance; location and polarization; reflection; authority; and how these apply to small and large group settings.

There will be an introduction to Psychoanalytic concepts as applied to groups and group processes including creative and destructive processes in groups and working through.The core practice concepts of Group Analysis include: The setting of the group; group boundaries; the conductor as dynamic administrator / container / translator of communications; phases of group development; the application of

Group Analytic principles to the organisational context. Reading material and a book list are supplied.

Work Discussion

In Work Discussion seminars students have the opportunity to explore their work situations from a Group Analytic perspective and to apply their learning from the theory group.

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