Pregnant journeys in group analytic psychotherapy

Abstract

This paper explores the dynamic complexities that are triggered when a group member becomes pregnant. Through clinical illustrations taken from a weekly analytical group, the developmental processes and resonances found in such groups are discussed, alongside the technical challenges they pose on the leader. The scant literature on this topic and how it impacts on the therapeutic space is reviewed from individual and group analytic literature. This paper then extends the figuration of groups as types of metaphorical maternal container (Foulkes, 1964). In particular, this view is developed using the concept of primary maternal preoccupation (Winnicott, 1956) and simultaneously challenged with that of enclaves (O'Shaughnessy, 1992).