Emotional Incest in Group Psychotherapy - A Conspiracy of Silence (Hardcover)

Emotional Incest in Group Psychotherapy: A Conspiracy of Silence is unique in the field of analytic group psychotherapy. Most other books assume that the frame of therapy is a given. This book treats the frame as a variable. The frame is defined as the boundary between what is and isn t therapy. The basic premise is that alterations to the frame have consequences. A moral dilemma exists when leaders choose to operate outside the ethics and wisdom of the field. The spoken directive to say everything is obviated by the unspoken directive not to, and hence a conspiracy of silence is created. There is potential for iatrogenic treatment reactions. This constitutes an abuse of power. There are at least seven dangers of blurring the boundary between therapy and not therapy: 1. Breaches of confidentiality; 2. Looping; 3. The pass along effect; 4. Gaslighting; 5. Overstimulation; 6. The emperor s new clothes effect; and 7. Scapegoating. Professional organizations that provide the opportunity for members to openly address their concerns about blurred boundaries in group treatment can help to mitigate their negative effects."