ABSTRACT

This chapter explains the reactions to 'differences', especially between staff and residents and the polarities of 'good and evil'. One man, B., had made a portrait of himself instead of his partner. Several members pointed out the devilish appearance of the painting and wondered why he had made it so evil-looking. It was covered with a huge spider's web which did look quite menacing. The group were interacting freely around the portraits. One man had negotiated with a pair to place his painting between them, so they created a trio. When the group resumed, there was still some amending to be done but eventually people seemed satisfied that the 'symbolic group' was ready. The group consisted of several sub-groups: staff and non-staff; ex-drug addicts and non-addicts; priests and nuns; men and women. There was also the author position as conductor: good or evil. It put this to the group in connection with the group's paintings.