Abstract
The abstinent stance of psychoanalytically-oriented clinicians is often confused with passivity or coldness toward the patient or the group. Given the current move toward more active, shorter-term treatment, this paper offers a reaffirmation of the value of the abstinent analytic stance. The theoretical rationale for the technique is reviewed, and some specific arguments are made to illustrate the continuing importance of the method in the treatment of patients in psychodynamic group psychotherapy.
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Reputed to be Adlai Stevenson's advice to President John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
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Alonso, A., Rutan, J.S. Activity/nonactivity and the group therapist: “Don't just do something, sit there”. Group 20, 43–55 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02108604
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02108604