| Abstrakt: |
In this paper, the authors describe and analyze an identifiable progression of verbal and emotional content which enlerged in five separate long-term group experiences of neglectful and/or abusive mothers. These processes are linked to group developmentol theory, and specific skills for intervention at each stage are suggested. The processes observed in these groups parallel those described in the literature on grief therapy. Denial, anger, and depression precede the ability to accept and cope with reality. As grieving for a missed childhood is an integral part of the treatment, these parallels are understandable. Within the nurturing environment of the group as a family surrogate, the mourning for the nonexistent idealized parent can take place, and the healing process can begin. |
