Conflict and Aggression in Group Psychotherapy: A Self Psychological Vantage Point

Abstract

Self psychology's emphasis on listening and understanding from a patient's vantage point has led to a commonly held misconception that it ignores conflict and aggression; this is not the case. On the contrary, an understanding of rage is central to Kohut's views. Some basic self psychological concepts and their application to dealing with conflict and aggression in group psychotherapy are presented along with a clinical illustration. In the approach presented, it is not the rage and conflict itself that becomes the focus of the therapeutic endeavor. It is the underlying vulnerability that must be expressed, explored, and worked through in order to facilitate a curative process.