Quick Organisational Psychotherapy Primer

Briefly explaining some core Organisational Psychotherapy concepts:

• Collective consciousness
• Collective psyche
• Shared assumptions and beliefs
• Group mind
• Social dynamic

Collective consciousness

Coined by French sociologist Émile Durkheim, this term refers to the shared beliefs, values, and norms within a society or group. It embodies the ideas, attitudes, and knowledge that are common among individuals within the group, helping to foster a sense of unity and cohesion. Collective consciousness plays a significant role in shaping social behavior and maintaining social order.

Collective psyche

This term, often associated with Swiss psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung, refers to the collective unconscious shared by members of a particular culture or society. The collective psyche encompasses shared experiences, myths, symbols, and archetypes that shape the mental and emotional lives of individuals within the group. According to Jung, these shared elements form a deeper layer of the unconscious mind that transcends individual experiences, connecting people within a culture or society. The collective psyche influences both individual and group behavior, and helps to form a sense of shared identity.

Shared Assumptions and Beliefs

These refer to the common ideas, values, and expectations held by members of a group, which facilitate effective communication and collaboration, and the social dynamic. They influence how individuals within a group perceive and interpret the world around them, affecting decision-making, problem-solving, and social interactions. These shared elements not only contribute to the group’s identity but also serve as the foundation for a cohesive social structure. Typically, these shared assumptions and beliefs reside in the collective subconscious, with individuals often being unaware of them or their existence.

Group mind

This concept has its origins in a variety of disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, and philosophy. Dating back to the early 20th century, influential thinkers such as the pioneering American psychologist William McDougall, have played crucial roles in shaping this idea. In “The Group Mind,” McDougall delved into the idea that groups could exhibit collective mental processes and behaviours distinct from individual members.

Social dynamic

The interactions and relationships between individuals within a group or society, and how these interactions influence the group’s behavior, structure, and development. Social dynamics encompass e.g. communication patterns, power dynamics, roles, and norms. Understanding social dynamics is essential for analysing how shared assumptions and beliefs shape the collective behavior and identity of a group.