Bengaluru Workshop, Reflections from Participants: 1

The Introductory Workshop to Group Analysis was an experience in learning to trust the idea of doing is learning. Instead of teaching the concepts in the traditional manner, we were asked to be a part of group therapy sessions run by two facilitators. The process allowed me to understand what I am asking of patients whom I refer to group therapy. The expected anxieties of opening up to a group of strangers, talking too little, talking too much, and the fear of not saying the right words to another were all present. The relief came from realising that I was not the only one with these anxieties. Given the immersive nature of the experience, there were run-ins with boundaries and emotional exhaustion, but it also left me with little time to distract myself with work or social interactions of daily life. Having to think about the feelings brought up during the groups, during the breaks, or at the end of the day almost felt cathartic. The time given to us for reflecting by ourselves felt as important as the sessions or the teaching blocks. The group sessions were a great space to understand the communication deficits I had, and the facilitators worked gently with us to encourage us to share the feelings we were hiding behind the words we ended up saying. The diversity of the participants, not with respect to professions but our personal histories, provided a stage for expanding our perspectives with emotions that otherwise seem linear at times. The group was intimidating at times but also validated some of my deepest feelings and appreciated me for the good that I unknowingly expressed. I found myself doing the same for others, sharing concern and love for their courage or their hurt. The facilitators’ presence was assuring and hopeful. They led by example in how to address the feelings shared in the group by each member, without taking away from the interaction between the members.  I left with having felt the group as a supportive space that allowed me to open up at the pace I chose, never feeling hurried or shunned. It also left me wanting for more, feeling that I still had much to explore in the ambit of group analysis. I seem to have a better understanding of the demands and gifts of group analysis and look forward to learning more about it.

Pratiksha Tewari
May 2019