The Relational Perspective in Psychoanalysis and Group Analysis: A Comment on the Exchange between Dalal and Lavie concerning ‘The Lost Roots of the Theory of Group Analysis: “Taking Interrelational Individuals Seriously”!’ by Joshua Lavie (Group Analysis, December 2005)

Abstract

and the further discussions of it by Farhad Dalal and Lavie in the same issue of the journal. I rather enjoyed the passion and the enthusiasm of both authors, although ultimately it is necessary for all of us to focus on the issues. In my opinion, the differences that characterise this exchange of views are small, which is not to say that they are small in their implications, or in their scholarship with regard to the history of group analysis. I am grateful for the space to contribute to the discussion of this topic of the 'relational individual'.First of all, I would like to make a few brief points about the discussion itself:

Theoretical and Conceptual Notes Concerning Transference and Countertransference Processes in Groups and by Groups, and the Social Unconscious: Part III

“…Human nature is always biological, psychological and social, and such factors and forces are completely intertwined. Also, the personal is always interpersonal (and familial, group, organizational, and societal) from conception to death (Hopper, 2006a). In fact, there is no need for the concept of the social unconscious other than to denote the social nature and origins of particular objects of which people are unconscious.…”