Individual Transference Vs Group Countertransference

There are variations of countertransference that occur during group processes, when addressing individual transference vs. Group transference. From the therapist’s perspective, transference is shaped by different molds. From an individual standpoint, countertransference can be brought on by identification with facets of an individual's life, personality, future goals or in connection as a reminder of someone else. This can be a doubled edged sword when engaging an individual in therapy, as it can lead to building a positive bond based on respect or it may lead a therapist down a path of resistance when addressing issues that may present to be too difficult for the client. In either case, counter transference can be viewed and utilized as
an insight into a patient's psyche or it may be viewed and utilized as a barrier if there is no pertinent understanding beyond commonalities.
Considering countertransference in groups, the challenges the group leader is set to deal with is more complex than those found in individual sessions.
Several mediums for counter transference must be attended to. Not only must a therapist pay attention to their own particular issues with transference, they must also be aware of transference that may be experienced by others participating in the group. This is can be a tool utilized by the therapist, as a means of generating group participation and/or expanding upon the subject at hand to enhance the overall therapeutic value to the group’s subject. Countertransference among groups can inspire the therapeutic process to change midstream, through offering feelings of transference; group participants are able to identify feeling, barriers and strengths of their own while remaining engaged in challenging others to do the
same.
As part of the ritualistic nature of group therapy, it is important to garner participation from all that are involved. In relation to group dynamics, there are those who are more extroverted and ready to share their stories, as well as those who are introverted and tend to avoid participation. Being able to utilize personality types in conjunction with transference feeds the ability of those who are introverted to speak out among the group without fear of being an outcast. More often than not, it is the ability to openly address personal problems within a group or rather in front of a group, which allows one to build strength needed to handle problematic issues more effectively.
As a means of transference, it may also be pertinent to note how the expression of feelings and changes in affect that occur within a group.
As group dynamics shift, whether by increasing commonalities, or through increasing differences, transference becomes the mode by which groups build or fail. As in the same with levels of participation, those who are less likely to participate can be influenced by those who freely participate, as well as being utilized by the therapist as an impartial party. It can be interesting to see the amounts of influence therapist may have on participants, but it appears true gains are made through the influence of peers. When peers begin to act as mutual beneficiaries of one another, this ensures participation from each member as well as members internalizing data from those around
them.
In understanding the effects of trauma on an individual's psyche and ability to cope, seeing the same effects presented in a group setting beginning to decline. One phenomenon that occurs within groups based in trauma is for an individual to reconnect themselves with their ego, as well as to connect with the world around them. This is an outcome of group transference when dealing with trauma. As stated previously, the development of the group allows for participants to break down barriers that keep them from being able to trust and speak openly, by providing a sense of belonging. This sense of acceptance can be generated by group participants and should be fostered by the group facilitator. In this group, I noted the caring and understanding nature of those participating in the groups, as they sought to show compassion for one another. Statements of understanding offering encouragement were also utilized by participants and the group facilitator to build upon new ideas, feelings and insights related to the recovery of the individual and group at large. This is in a sense how group facilitators work to build rapport in group settings. While the facilitator may know individuals in a personal setting, it is also necessary for rapport to be built within the group. This can be done by ice breaker activities, or a continuous probing for information.
In order to build an environment conducive to growth, it would require an impartial, nonjudgmental and impersonal approach. Allowing the freedom of expression within good taste to build upon ideas and offer support for other participants is central to success. One way in which this can be achieved, is establishing a given outline of activities designed to sustain conversation. While the subject may be trauma, the conversation can be centered on recovery. If members are able to find positives in their negative experiences, this assists them to effectively deal with trauma.