Object-Relations in the Service of Coping and Defence in the Therapeutic Group

Interactions among group members exist on three levels: the narcissistic-fusional level; the level of active ego-performances, and the level of free decisions. The active ego-performances contribute most to coping and defence within a therapeutic group. There is a constant oscillation between the different levels of object relations. In regressive episodes there is a preponderance of the narcissistic-fusional level. It is the function of the therapist to observe these shifts and bring the members step by step to the level of active ego-performances, contributing thus to an inner maturation and to further coping strategies in the here-and-now.