Existential dialectics in therapeutic groups.

Abstract

The paper proposes that existential dialectics is one way of reaching clinically inaccessible material in group psychotherapy. Existential dialectics aims at fusing intra-personal, subjective reality with transubjective, social one, with the aid of face to face encounters with others. Its "techniques" include antithetical and synthetical questioning and attentive listening. The specific psycho-social dialectics outlined include participant-observation and the play of norms and counternorms. These dialectics are especially designed to help patients find meaning, reality, approval and feelings.