[Control of regressive processes in therapy groups]

At the outset a delineation is made of the concept of regression in the context of psychoanalysis. It is shown that partial and reversible regressive changes are a necessary pre-condition in order for progredient therapy developments to take place in a patient. This applies to the therapeutic process in the treatment of individuals as well as to group therapy. In analytic group therapy the development of a more mature personality structure can be facilitated by means of the carefully controlled use of such destructing measures as minimal structuring, abstinence, anonymity and rule of free interaction as well as the interpretation of the group analyst. In this way, the development and maintenance of psychoneurotic, functional somatic and character symptoms gradually become superfluous and psychic energies are liberated for more constructive forms of behavior. Some attention is given to the reciprocity between specifically psychoanalytic perception and a conclusion formation of an explanatory- hermeneutic nature. On the basis of the insights obtained in this way, the psychoanalytic group therapist designs his interventions which should, if possible, apply to all group participants. This approach is illustrated by means of a clinical case study.