ABSTRACT
This chapter presents certain aspects of the work of analytic groups to the biological immune system that operates in our bodies. Concepts of mechanisms from immunology are used to examine the communication within the group and the ways of maintaining the dialectical destructive and creative forces in it. The tension between the group's "immunity" and its dealing with "foreign invaders" and "self-destruction" presents the group and its conductor with complex challenges to their clinical work. The immune system maintains the balance in our bodies through the destruction of any "non-self" organism, including variable and proliferating cancer-causing cells, or foreign invaders, which can cause serious illness and infections. Israel Foulkes, the founder of group analysis, saw the group as a rich therapeutic resource. He conceptualised the foundation matrix as based not only on the biological properties of the species, but also on society and culture. Death stories also serve as initiation rites conducted by the senior group members to the newcomers.
