Keeping the Group Alive: Dealing with Resistance in a Long-Term Group of Psychotic Patients

ABSTRACT

This paper presents theory and technique developed over a thirteen-year period with a group of chronically disturbed psychotic patients. When psychotic patients enter a group, the potential dynamics that develop within the group process mobilize psychotic resistances which become the dominant group feature. Resistances can retard group development, destroy cohesion, and result in repetitive role behaviors. Therapist interventions, especially those that join with the resistance, can promote the movement and integrity of the group while discovering aspects of primitive individual identity for the group members. Case material is included, illustrating both group resistance and group leader intervention strategies.