ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author analyses the presence of both echoistic and narcissistic traits and behaviours in heterogeneous and homogeneous groups, and in her work with couples. She draws upon W. R. Bion’s theories relating to basic assumption phenomena and container-contained, to understand and illuminate projective processes taking place. The author offers the opportunity to work with patients presenting as echoistic in group therapy and couples therapy. She utilizes clinical vignettes to illustrate some of the findings and how they correspond, and what they add to understanding gained in the experience of individual therapy. A newly forming heterogeneous group is an excellent opportunity to observe such a phenomenon as it is taking place, and gives some indication of the echoist’s way of relating in the world. The echoist-narcissist couple is a phenomenon that seeks to realise itself wherever possible through projective and introjective processes.
