Analyse group psychology in Australia. Learn from Freud & Bion's concepts in these CPD courses for psychologists.
Australian psychologists and counsellors who work with groups, teams or organisations will find this course a thoughtful look at group dynamics. Professor Don Carveth gives an accessible critique of Freud's theory of group psychology, focusing on identification, regression and leadership. He goes on to Wilfred Bion's distinction between work groups and basic assumption groups, explaining how unconscious forces can make groups productive or destructive. Sociological and literary examples, such as Lord of the Flies, bring the ideas to life. The course is approved by the Australian Counselling Association for CPD hours.
How does individual behaviour change in the group context? Why do otherwise rational people sometimes act irrationally, destructively, or regressively in group settings? In this compelling presentation, Professor Don Carveth draws from both psychoanalytic theory and sociological insight to unpack the complex dynamics of group psychology.
Starting with Freud’s foundational text Group Psychology and the Analysis of the Ego (1921), Carveth offers a critical and accessible analysis of Freud’s ideas about identification, regression, and the role of the leader. The talk then expands to include Wilfred Bion’s influential concepts of “work groups” and “basic assumption groups,” illuminating how unconscious processes shape group functioning - both productively and destructively.
Drawing on literary examples, including Lord of the Flies, Carveth illustrates how regression, projection, and loss of individuality may manifest in real-world group scenarios. This talk is ideal for psychologists working in organisational, therapeutic, or community settings who are interested in the deeper forces at play within group contexts.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this talk, participants will be able to:
Gain a foundational understanding of Freud’s psychoanalytic theory of group psychology.
Explore Bion’s key concepts: "work groups" vs "basic assumption groups."
Recognise the unconscious forces—including regression and identification—that shape behaviour in groups.
Consider sociological and literary examples to illustrate group dynamics in practice.
Apply psychoanalytic and sociological models to enhance your work with groups, teams, or organisational systems.