Abstract

The concept of countertransference is a point of consensus and convergence of different psychoanalytic schools and courses (Gabbard, 1995). With the book “Introduction to Group Analytic Psychotherapy” (1948), Foulkes introduced group analysis, thus linking social science and psychoanalysis, highlighting relationships, contacts, reciprocity and belonging to the group. His basic theoretical postulates anticipated the underlying principles of the intersubjective paradigm in psychoanalysis that became crystallised 30 years later. The attempt to understand my feelings represents for me a game and a challenge in the development of personal and professional identity. In the psychotherapeutic group I held, I have experienced intriguing and confusing feelings, and the need to understand what is happening within myself and in the group has resulted in this paper. I will present the evolution of the concept of countertransference in individual and group settings as well as the intersubjective approach in group analysis. The aforementioned theoretical concepts have assisted me in becoming aware and metabolising countertransference feelings in the group, as well as in understanding myself, my patients and the overall group dynamics.