ABSTRACT
This paper shows how a psycho-historical group analytic conference (Trialog) facilitates psychological processes between people whose ancestors were enemies in the past or whose countries are currently at war. The Trialog Conferences in 2015 and 2017 in Potsdam (Germany) with Russian, Ukrainian and German participants lasted four days. The struggle for a process of understanding and reconciliation can be explained using group analytic and interaction analytic concepts. The process is illustrated with protocols from the large group sessions of the two Trialog Conferences. Common ground activities such as finding shared metaphors are an essential component of the differentiation of a given group’s matrix. The group process shows that it is worthwhile to talk to each other in a good enough and safe enough setting. Group analysts enable an encounter between nations or communities or organizations. This kind of group work generates the ability to reduce prejudices, anxiety, and egocentric convictions.
