The fragility of a robust therapeutic technique

The case of Bion’s experience group

Bibliographic Data

ID20401331
AuthorsSigne Vikkelsø (0000-0002-0335-0669, Copenhagen Business School, corresponding author)
Year2012
Volume22
Issue2
Pages213-233
Publication date2012-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueTheory & Psychology (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0959-3543 • E-ISSN: 1461-7447
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/0959354311432560
OpenAlexW2136481176
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited25

How can therapeutic techniques simultaneously be tools for emancipation and act as subtle forms of control? The article investigates this seeming paradox by examining a technique for group analysis developed by Wilfred Bion aimed at surfacing the inclination of a group to prompt inexpedient leadership. Over time, the technique developed a reputation as a very effective, but also a very challenging, and even disturbing method, and was subsequently translated into less intense versions. By analyzing its key principles and operational risks, the article discusses Bion’s experience group as illustrative of the “scaling problems” associated with the operation of therapeutic techniques. The handling of such problems is central to the effects and survivability of a particular method, and in this case the original purpose was gradually eroded. The article concludes that a focus on the “sociomechanics” of such techniques offers an opportunity to resuscitate their instituted purposes combined with a more precise understanding of the risks associated with their attainment

Computer security · Fragility · Goal Attainment Scaling · Reputation · Sociology · Survivability · Academic and Historical Perspectives in Psychology · Computer Science · Management and Organizational Studies · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

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