A therapy group for mothers with dissociative disorders

This paper describes the evolution of a therapy group for mothers with dissociative disorders. Although the group is for survivors of childhood trauma, its focus is on the present dilemmas of child rearing rather than on past traumas. It uses mothering as a common bond to improve parenting and interpersonal skills and to propel forward each member's individual therapy. The article summarizes the relevant literature, provides a rationale for such a group, and discusses the issues of cotherapy, combined therapy, group process, transference, countertransference, and thematic material.