Group Analysis explores the theory, practice and experience of analytical group psychotherapy, embracing concepts derived from psychoanalytic psychology, social psychology, group dynamics, sociology and anthropology.
This site displays information about the Group Analytic Society, it's activities, publications, and preoccupations. You will find rich material here: the Newsletter of the Society, Group Analytic Contexts, publishes original articles and is available for download on this site; our journal Group Analysis has a link on the Publications Page; our past and forthcoming events are listed; as are links to other relevant group psychotherapy websites; and there is much more. Please explore and let us know what you think.
Image by Ruth Merryman
At the heart of Group Analysis is the idea that human beings are fundamentally social beings, whose lives are inextricably linked with other people in manifold ways. The source of personal puzzles that are difficult or impossible to resolve, or behaviors or motives that are difficult to understand, which individuals may encounter in their personal lives and at work, are to be found not only in the dynamics of the groupings that they inhabit in the present, but also in the groups in which all of us are rooted, across time and throughout our development. These groupings include the family, friendship groups, schools and so on. On the basis of this S.H Foulkes, the founder of group analysis, reasoned that as one's difficulties arise in groups, then these difficulties are best explored, understood and changed specifically in a group context. Foulkes, in the 1950s, proposed that there is no such thing as an individual that exists apart from and outside the social (Foulkes, 1948; Foulkes & Anthony, 1957).
The Group-Analytic Society (London) was founded in 1952 by S. H. Foulkes, Jane Abercrombie, Pat de Mare, Elizabeth Foulkes ne Marx, and Norbert Elias as a learned society to study and promote the development of Group Analysis in both its clinical and applied aspects. The first regular weekly seminars were given by Foulkes in 1952. Members of the Society come from different countries and from many fields and disciplines, including psychology, psychiatry, sociology, medicine, nursing, social work, counselling, education, industry, forensic and prison services, management and organisational consultancy, architecture, anthropology and the clergy.
The Society, which has charitable status (Charity Registration Number: 281387) is a learned society and non-profit organization, holds regular scientific meetings and organizes various workshops, including an annual one currently held in the Autumn. A triennial European symposium is held at various European locations. An annual S. H. Foulkes lecture for a wider public has been held in London since 1977 and the lectures are published in the journal of the Society. Past issues of Group Analytic Contexts, the Newsletter of the Society, are available in full from the Publications page of this site.
The Group Analytic Society, London was founded by Dr. E.J. Anthony, Dr. P.B. de Maré, Dr. N. Elias, Dr. S.H. Foulkes, Mrs. E.T. Foulkes, Mrs. M.L. Abercrombie in London in 1952. Its main aim is to study and promote the development of Group-Analysis in both its clinical and applied aspects. Members of the Society come from different countries and from many different fields and disciplines, including psychology, sociology, medicine, nursing, social work, counselling, education, industry, architecture, anthropology and theology.
Contact Information
The postal address of the London office is available on the Contact Us page.
Click here to email the society administrator.
Click here to open a map pinpointing the London office.
Objectives
The objectives of the Society are to promote group analysis and its applications from mental health to other areas of culture and society.
What the Society provides to its members
The Society works through a number of committees and provides:
- Group Analysis, The International Journal of Group Analytic Psychotherapy. See Publications page.
- Group Analytic Contexts – The International Newsletter for members of the Society. See Publications page.
- An International Directory of Members.
- A List of Members’ Publications Worldwide.
- Substantial reductions of fees on events and workshops. See Events page.
- Free Library Facilities. See IGA/GAS Library page.
- Scientific Meetings mainly held in London. See Events page.
- Two Annual Workshops – four to five day international events:
- The Triennial Symposium.
- The Autumn Workshop.
- The Annual Foulkes Lecture given by internationally distinguished colleagues in the field of group analysis and the associated Study Day following the Foulkes Lecture
