Related Experiment Videos
Truth and falsity in group.
1Postdoctoral Program in Group Psychotherapy, Derner Institute, Adelphi University in Garden City, New York, USA. RMBillow@hotmail.com
International Journal of Group Psychotherapy
|July 16, 2004
Summary
Psychotherapy groups navigate the tension between seeking truth and evading it, influenced by psychic evasiveness. Dynamic groups challenge established falsehoods, fostering authentic connection and growth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Group Dynamics
Background:
- Explores the universal tension between truth-seeking and truth-evasion in contemporary relational contexts.
- Draws upon Wilfred Bion's later ideas on group psychology, particularly his concept of 'psi' or psychic evasiveness.
Observation:
- The psychotherapy group can function as a political 'Establishment,' mirroring psychic evasiveness.
- Examines the nature, nurturing, purposes, and forms of truth evasion through three case examples.
Findings:
- Therapists must exert a disruptive-creative influence, but may also promote falsity.
- Group members, not solely the therapist, are responsible for breaking old relational patterns and experimenting with new ones.
Implications:
- Dynamic, evolving groups support leaders in life-affirming truth-seeking.
- Such groups challenge establishment tendencies and expose falsity, promoting cultural integrity and authentic connection.