SYNOPSIS
A long-term psychotherapcutic group was conducted by a “substitute” therapist on each occasion that the senior therapist was absent. The group reacted to these temporary absences in an indirect fashion, and this became more apparent after the senior therapist finally terminated his association with the group. These phases are designated as “therapist substitution” and “therapist replacement”. The observations of the group's behaviour are discussed with reference to the changed nature and function of transference in group psychotherapy with multiple therapists.