History of the analytical framework and group systems. A current challenge

Résumé 0

In the face of current societal changes, it is important to look back at the history of group psychoanalysis, particularly in France. The author points out that group psychoanalysis developed from a psychosocial approach at the same time as the question of the analytical framework and its meaning for groups was being debated. In this context, Anzieu theorized the development of the framework. The author goes on to show that the various functions attributed to the framework by Kaës can serve as a theoretical basis for understanding the fairly wide range of group psychoanalysis mechanisms and objectives (including, for example, psychodrama, the family, child therapy, mediated groups, practice analysis groups and interventions in institutions or prevention). It then looks at the current challenges of ‘containing’ the suffering present in the field. An analysis of the various societal and environmental mechanisms shows that they may have a close relationship with the individual and group envelopes of individuals. How, then, can clinical systems be adjusted to the psychic possibilities of the subjects?