Experimenting with groups in a locked general psychiatry ward

1. This paper was given as a contribution to commemorate the work of Richard Lucas. An introduction by John Steiner is followed by the presentation of two group sessions by Robert Harland. John Steiner then briefly discusses these.

Abstract

The groups were discussed in terms of the role the mental hospital can play as a container of psychosis. The anxieties and concerns brought by the patients in the groups showed a high degree of disturbance with threats of disintegration and chaos prominent. Madness, violence, inappropriate sexual behaviour, and deprivation were brought in abundance and the staff struggled to deal with this by providing a containment based on attempts to understand. Although containment was far from successful the groups were valued by patients and staff alike and contributed to a more humane atmosphere where patient's concerns were given time and attention.

Notes

1. This paper was given as a contribution to commemorate the work of Richard Lucas. An introduction by John Steiner is followed by the presentation of two group sessions by Robert Harland. John Steiner then briefly discusses these.

2. This section contains the report of the group work carried out by Robert Harland.

3. The names used are fictitious and some of the descriptions have been altered to preserve anonymity. I will begin each group with an introduction to who was in the room.