Report on the Group Section Discussion

Members from Czechia, Lithuainia, Russia and from Switzerland ( Section Co-ordinator ) participated at the meeting.

The first part of the meeting was dedicated to informations about the development of Groupanalysis/ Psychoanalytical Group Psychotherapy (PCP) in the various countries. The training schemes could be established with help of Institutes of Groupanalysis ( e.g. Copenhagen, Norway, London ) These cooperations are regarded as essential and constructive. They led to graduations of Group Psychotherapists which are now in charge of training and of organisations ( Czechia, Lithuania ). Crucial steps in the development of the associations are (1) the foundation of institutes and associations and (2) the national accreditation of institutes or training schemes. It was helpful to exchange political and groupdynamic experiences of these processes. It was suggested for the next meeting to establish links with organisations not present at the Conference or in EFPP (eg. in Poland or Hungary).

In the second part the discussion focussed on contributions of EFPP to the development in the C&E european countries. It was aknowledged that the EFPP training standards give a frame of reference for the training programmes and for recognition of health authorities. Collaboration with EFPP and membership are also important for identity in PGP. It was expressed that the EFPP Certificate would be a good means for establishing PGP in the different countries. The Section Coordinator explained that the Certificate is a midterm project and that it should also be discussed with partner organisations ( eg. EGATIN ). It was also explained how to achieve membership in EFPP and it was stressed that the training standards or bylaws of the constitution are meant to be guidelines in the future development of associations and networks. A group of six trained members allows membership in EFPP (see constitution of EFPP). Membership in EFPP is also of clinical interest. The EFPP Group Section is an open section for different approaches in PGP ( Foulkes, Bion, Group Operativo, French Associations ). This variety of approaches gives the oportunity of important clinial exchanges in which all members have an equal voice. On a practical level EFPP could facilitate links between institutes and associations in the East and West in order to support training programmes, research projects or clinical symposia.

Finally the group also discussed basic issues of PGP ( eg. treatment aims ) and how we should argue in front of political and health authorities where economical arguments are crucial. Such themes could be important issues of further EFPP conferences since all associations of PGP in western countries are confronted with the same tendencies.

Rudolf Balmer

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