ABSTRACT
This chapter defines relational development, and discusses its three dimensions: the self-activating dimension, the intimately connected dimension, and a field-oriented view of group development. Nine principles of of gestalt group therapy are discussed: (1) a relational group culture; (2) the co-creation of a safe container; (3) three levels of experience in the group: the individual level, the dyadic level, and the group-as-a-whole level; (4) tension between a relational/contactful position versus an alienated/contact-avoidant position; (5) holding, listening, and resonating; (6) the leader’s gestalt formation process; (7) holding the tension of the polarities; (8) the affective current and affective processing; and (9) dialogue around rupture and repair of the selfobject tie.
