ABSTRACT
Given that forensic patients present serious personality disorders and are unable to form relationships, it is obvious that some are more suitable than others for group treatment. To assess whether individual psychotherapy or group psychotherapy is indicated for offenders, it is vital to look closely at particular psychopathologies and needs. The selection criteria include their family structure, their living circumstances, and certain factors in their personalities. It is important to assess certain factors in the parents’ root family to help determine which group is more appropriate for each specific history. The patient population presents a worthwhile challenge, given the potential benefits of group analytic treatment for such “anti-social” and “asocial” people. There were very few colleagues with whom to share the richness of material emerging from working with “antisocial” patients who have problems related to violence and secrecy in the family— for instance, incest cases.
