On conducting an ongoing large staff group in a psychiatric hospital

Abstract

A psychiatric hospital is an environment designed to help people to recover from a mental crisis. While an atmosphere of acceptance and open communication is conductive to that aim, institutional milieu is usually full of misunderstanding, conflict, projection and paranoia. An ongoing large analytic group, available to all hospital members of staff, can help to contain these tensions while facilitating an open dialogue and a reflective stance within the organization. In this article, we present the development and principles of conducting such a group. It has been running for five years. It meets once a month and includes clinicians, administrators and management. Participation is voluntary. It is conducted by two co-conductors, one a member of the hospital staff, and the other not. Group dynamics including power relations, different professional languages and different worldviews are discussed. These include the dynamics of watching and being watched, displayed in the group and the two conductors.