The Psychoanalytic Section of the ICP

Irish Group Analytic Society (IGAS)

Welcome to the Irish Group Analytic Society (IGAS), the professional body for Group Analytic Psychotherapy in Ireland. Our members are qualified and training group analysts, allied professionals and those interested in the better practice and effective application of group processes. The Irish Group Analytic Society was founded in 1995 to promote the practice and development of Group Analysis, also known as Group Analytic Psychotherapy.
Group Analysis, or Group Analytic Psychotherapy, was developed in England in the 1940s by Dr S.H. Foulkes, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, while working with soldiers from the Second World War. It understands that the individual is fundamentally social in nature, living his/her life with other people in families, friendships, work and other social groups. It is on this basis that individual problems and difficulties are best explored, understood and addressed in the context of a group and through the lens of the conscious/unconscious dynamic.

How do I go about joining a group?
On appointment, (see the IGAS or ICP websites), the group therapist will see clients individually over a number of sessions. This provides the time and setting to explore this form of therapy, as well as a period of preparation for those joining. As the process of insightful change is slow, people are encouraged to commit sufficient time.

Applied Group Analysis
The principles of Group Analysis are widely applicable in clinical and non-clinical fields, including education and the community sector. Having an understanding of how groups work, what gets in the way of groups working well, how and why people operate in groups, the conscious/unconscious roles they take on and the ability to identify and work with group dynamics; are essential tools for work with organisations and groups.
Services offered by those trained in Applied Group Analysis include
Consultation to organisations and staff teams
Staff support and reflective practice groups
Team development
Training – courses, seminars, lectures, etc.
Clinical group supervision

Membership
Associate membership is open to all who have an interest in group analysis and wish to support the work of the association. Student membership is open to participants on accredited courses. Full membership is open to graduates of training courses

Courses
Training in Ireland is provided by the Irish Institute of Group Analysis and takes place in the School of Psychotherapy, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4. For further information/application form please email the School of Psychotherapy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Enquiries to Liz O'Connor, Court Convenor, mobile 086-8596320

Affiliations
IGAS is also a member of the European Federation for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy in the Public Sector (EFPP). We are also a member of the Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP), within its Analytic Section.

Committee
IGAS elects its committee at an Annual General Meeting. Full members (4) and Student/Associate members (4) are eligible for election within the rules of the association

Contact address:
IGAS,
Global House,
29, Lower Abbey Street,
Dublin 1.
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

web: www.igas.ie