Analytical therapy

The purpose of both individual and group analytic therapy is to consciously re-establish the normally unconscious compensation mechanism which has been disturbed by over-strong contrast. The psychoanalytic viewpoint is applied to individuals or, in techniques of group psychotherapy, in groups of four or more participants, some of whom may also be receiving individual analysis. The ultimate aim, in either case, is the facilitation of the fullest possible communication of unconscious material; and transference relationships, catharsis, insight, reality testing, etc. are features of the dynamics.

In group therapy, the task of the therapist may be eased by the possibility of demonstrating and interpreting the unreality of any transference reactions which occur in the group situation between participants; although analysing and interpreting the network of these transferences may be much more difficult.