ABSTRACT
This chapter explores both the positive and negative aspects of passion in sports and psychotherapy groups. Passion with sports fans is reviewed in terms of group bonding and the expression of emotions in the group setting with other fans. Passion, both negative and positive, is also part of the experience of athletes when they take part in their sport and as members of an athletic team. Team bonding and even team performance can depend on passion and its expression by the team members. The concepts of play and flexibility in self-states are explored as part of the experience and expression of passion. The chapter also examines the importance of passion in the therapeutic group, especially in terms of cohesion and the exploration and containment of passion in the group. Negative passions, such as depression, are especially important to be explored and contained within the group. Playing within the group and individual group member’s change in self-states and interpersonal interactions are examined.
