Wilfred R. Bion (1897–1979)

This selection of clinical seminars held by Wilfred Bion in Brasilia (1975) and Sao Paulo (1978) is the nearest we shall ever get to experiencing his application of his theories and views to consulting-room practice. It is also likely to be the only printed record of this area of his work. As those who underwent analysis with Bion will testify, nothing can approach the experience of the thing-itself, but, failing that, these seminars may help to fill the gap now that his voice can only be show more heard through his published writings and lectures.

The reader will find here no jargon, dogma or theoretical exposition; he knew that the enormous difficulties involved in communicating verbally this infinitely complex subject are only compounded by the use of what is often nothing more than "psycho-babble". His intentional choice of simple language, accurately and consistently used, can come as a surprise; a presenting analyst says. "Your suggestion of what to say to the patient seemed much simpler than what is usually said by an analyst."

He described analysis as "a tough job", "a dangerous occupation", and the analytic experience as "potentially nasty both for the analyst and the analysand.....like being at sea - it is as stormy for both people." To the question of whether it is the analyst's function to help the patient, he gives this illuminating reply;"....we are trying to say. "I will help you to know yourself....I am trying to be a mirror to reflect back to you who you are, so that you can see in what I say to you an image of your self."

Throughout these seminars (and the following discussions and papers) runs the thread of Bion's penetrating insight, his recognition of truth, and his fascination with the human character. In observing the patient he believed that the analyst must combine the disciplined curiosity of the scientist, the warmth of the humanist, the wisdom of the philosopher, and the sensitivity of the artist. A tall order indeed, but one to which this remarkable man came very close to fulfilling. show less

A consideration of the concept of the container and the contained which includes their relevance to the theory of projective identification and an analytic approach to the nature and function of lying.

Bion set about studying groups through observation and interpretation. He therefore combined the observational and experimental method. Interpretations are interventions which alter the behaviour of the group, so he observed the effect of these interpretations. As the group was his object of study he did not interpret the behaviour of individuals, though he was tempted to do so. So the members of the group would take their places and expected him to say something, explain how they were to show more proceed or do something to set the ball rolling. Instead of fulfilling their expectations he interpreted their expectations, of him and discovered that these interventions were most unwelcome. Through such a procedure he observed the way the group functioned and formulated certain principles about his observations.

He proposed that groups operate on two levels, the work level where concern is for completing the task) and the unconscious level where group members act as if they had made assumptions about the purpose of the group which may be different from its conscious level - dependency, flight, fight and pairing. Groups avoid the task at hand and emotional states hinder the task.

The Basic Assumption group process is about the group acting as if the members had made the basic and shared assumption that the group had met to do one of the following irrational things:

Depend on someone or something outside themselves (either within or outside the group). This is Basic Assumption Dependence or baD.

Fight or flee from something: Basic Assumption Fight/Flight or baF.

Pair or mate: Basic Assumption Pairing or baP. show less

First published in 1965 this book is the continuation of Bion's investigation of various aspects of psychoanalytic theory and practice. He examines the way in which an analyst's description of the analytic experience necessarily transforms it, in order to effect an interpretation.