Holding en containing in psychoanalytische groepstherapie

Holding and containing in group psychotherapy In the context of group analytic psychotherapy two intertwined processes seem to be important to differentiate and to have their separate implications for clinical practice. These are holding and containing. Both processes are investigated in depth and what their importance in group psychotherapy entails. Holding facilitates integration and differentiation of I versus not-I, which can contribute to developing object relationships. Containing facilitates mentalisation and capacity to handle and transform psychic content. Being alert to the functioning of these two processes in a group session is an important part of the therapist's work which can lead to psychic growth of group members.