Shameful Encounters, Alienation, and Healing Restitution in the Group
Abstract
Shameful Encounters, Alienation, and Healing Restitution in the Group T.E. Lear A patient approaching a treatment group regards it as a special opportunity, and one worth struggling for. Arriving in an estab- lished analytic group, a newcomer may reckon that his or her resources and performance will be poor, both as viewed by others and personally. He or she has desires for personal revelation and to share experiences but fears to seem ridiculous. The group in fantasy is liable to resemble shameful group experi- ences in the family group or classroom: those occasions when the newcomer felt belittled or associated with a family or family member of doubtful reputation. Similarly, associations with social class, neighbourhood, race or religion could be embarrassing. It is because too much shame could inhibit relating in the group that the main principle in selection is to avoid introducing a member who could feel so different from the others that a sense of isolation and alienation would follow. Another principle is preparation both of the person and of the group. Members of an established group have fantasies of the new member to share beforehand. Feelings about the departure of a previous member or of