Self Psychological Approaches to Ruptures and Repairs in Group Psychotherapy

ABSTRACT

In group psychotherapy, there will inevitably be empathic ruptures with individual members or the whole group. Self psychologists define ruptures as breaks in empathy regarding selfobject needs, and they address how ruptures can be repaired in very specific ways. Since exploring and working with empathic ruptures was basic to Kohut’s theory, his ideas are very applicable to working with groups where there are multiple opportunities for empathic ruptures. A case example in which there is a major disruption between two group members and ultimately with the entire group is explored. The clinical material will demonstrate the usefulness of Kohut’s understanding/explaining sequences, the importance of groupobjects, and the role of the group therapist when addressing empathic ruptures in group therapy.

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Rosemary Segalla

Rosemary Segalla is a senior member of the faculty of the Group Training Program, Washington School of Psychiatry, Washington, DC. She is the co-founder of the Institute of Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, Washington DC where she served as director and faculty. She maintains a private practice doing individual and group psychotherapy and supervision.