On October 23, 2009, RAGPS welcomed Andrew Eig , PH.D. who presented on “The Creative Use of Forbidden Affects in Group: The Leader’s Desire and Aggression” at the AAUW on East Avenue. The objectives of the conference were: (1) understand the crucial role of the leader in integrating forbidden affects into the group, (2)describe the intersubjective processes that evolve over the course of a group session, and (3) differentiate between productive and unproductive expressions of forbidden affects. Desire and aggression are just two forbidden affects of the many that can surface in the leader and group members. Dr. Eig first shared some didactic information on the topic which included using a “symphony” as a metaphor for group. One can hear the music being performed in group but a crucial question needing to be answered by the leader is: “What is missing in the symphony? How do I feel as leader- too anxious? dreading group, etc.? A group therapist needs to be aware of his or her own forbidden affects since these can affect the group as a whole as well as individual members. Dr. Eig highly stressed that group therapists seek out supervision, consultation or even their own group therapy to help understand one’s own forbidden affects. An important topic was addressed regarding the use of therapist self disclosure in group, that is, disclosure should only be made to benefit the members of the group. Resistance is sometimes more prevalent in the therapist – e.g. a therapist who is uncomfortable with his patient’s anger so patient does not bring his anger up for discussion. Regarding group members, Dr. Eig views outside socialization of patients as usually involving a “forbidden affect” which needs to be explored in the here and now of group therapy. This will allow an opportunity for “emotional truths” to be talked about and processed within the safety of the group. The morning experiential group was a fishbowl which highlighted the issue of forbidden affects in powerful ways. In the afternoon, all participants became members of a large group and the power of subgroups became quite apparent due to the fishbowl members! After the experience, Dr. Eig shared that the forbidden affects of the afternoon group were “hunger” and the “desire to be connected and accepted”. He self-disclosed his own forbidden affects which were “ambition” and “anxiety”. The conference was intellectually and emotionally stimulating!
Submitted by Joe Russo, Psy.D., CGP
