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

Abstract

In this article I will outline the main theories and conceptualisations of transference and countertransference in groups and by groups, and the social unconscious. I am increasingly convinced that working in and with transference and countertransference processes is vital to the clinical project, and that taking a ‘relational’ perspective is essential to this. Based on a monograph that I am writing about transference and countertransference processes, these notes are not new, but I hope that they will be useful, especially to students and younger colleagues. In Part I, I will consider transference and countertransference processes by individual persons in groups, and in Part II, to be published in March 2007, transference processes by groups of persons. In Part III, to be published in June 2007, I will summarise a few points about the theory and concept of the social unconscious, focusing on the effects of the social unconscious on transference and countertransference processes.

The Triangle and the Eye inside the Circle: Dyadic and Triadic Dynamics in the Group

“…The term 'family complex' (Hopper, 2006) has been argued to be less reductionist as this allows for broader understanding of triangular relationships in families and groups. The triangle itself denotes a configuration and an arrangement of object relationships but does not necessarily define the nature of each of the objects or the nature of differential tensions or attractions present in the relational axes of the triangle.…”

“…Although Freud's development of Oedipal theory has been of great utility to individual and group analysis, it may also be considered unfortunate that triangular dynamics tend to become almost synonymously equated with Oedipal models of understanding. The term 'family complex' (Hopper, 2006) has been argued to be less reductionist as this allows for broader understanding of triangular relationships in families and groups. The triangle itself denotes a configuration and an arrangement of object relationships but does not necessarily define the nature of each of the objects or the nature of differential tensions or attractions present in the relational axes of the triangle.…”

Adolescences: Adolescence Re-staged. The Interplay between Small Groups and the Large Group in a Group Analytic Training Situation

“…He analyses the process of social production of unconsciousness under the aspects of power and authority and attributes to adolescence a central role in the social process of cultural change. In carving out the pivotal role of adolescence in this process, Erdheim gains specific and unique profile in comparison to the group analytic discussion of the social unconscious (Hopper, 2001;2006;2007a;2007b;Dalal, 2001;Weinberg, 2007;Roth et al, 2011).…”