Case report, case study
https://doi.org/10.24869/psihei.2026.154
THE LARGE GROUP IN LIGHT OF THE MIRRORING OF CONSCIOUS AND UNCONSCIOUS EXPERIENCES: FROM CHAOS TO DISCOURSE
Ivan Urlić
; HLZ, HLK, HDPP, AMZH, ISPS Hrvatska, IGA ZG, GASi, IAGP, ISPS Int., EDA
*
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Drawing on the theoretical assumptions of group analysis and on the contemporary conceptualization of phenomena that manifest themselves in a large group, some characteristics related to the psychotherapy group setting are presented. The author also analyzes the large group as an (un)natural therapeutic environment. Drawing on his experiences, he explains the difficulties of approaching and leading a large group, citing four clinical examples from his experience. It is about psychodynamics that lead from a monologue to the possibility of establishing a dialogue, and eventually to a discourse on anxiety-provoking and conflictual relationships in the sense of socio-political participation and expression of the awakened individual and the social unconscious. The importance of recognizing feel ings of helplessness and the mourning process is emphasized, as well as the possibility of working toward forgiveness and reconciliation as a way out of confrontational conflict and the establishment of constructive discourse.
In conclusion, the author advocates the view that large groups are appropriate as part of educational and professional gatherings, while their therapeutic potential appears to be very questionable.
Keywords
large group; narcissistic injury; fear of being lost in the crowd; projections; projective identification; potential for stimulating emotions; educational potential
Hrčak ID:
348207
URI
Publication date:
11.6.2026.
Visits: 26 *