This article presents an epistemological reflection on two models of the group: S.H. Foulkes’ matrix model and René Kaës’ less well-known group psychic apparatus model. These two models are viewed as complementary, in the sense of George Devereux’s ‘complementarist’ approach, provided that each is conceived of as constituting a ‘vertex’, as Bion used this term. After showing that the two models are neither in competition nor coextensive, we explore their complementarity. The concepts of the ‘internal group’ and ‘unconscious alliances’ proposed by Kaës provide a way to understand how communication networks emerge and are structured in the matrix. Conversely, the concept of the network of communication can also be thought of as a metaphor for the psychic spaces of the group psychic apparatus. A clinical illustration involving a group supervision session is presented in support of these proposals.

This article explores group creativity following the lockdown in France from March to May 2020. Questioning its impact on established groups led us to formulate two hypotheses. First, the announcement of these measures provoked what Anzieu (1981) has referred to as a ‘state of creative shock’ in existing group structures. Second, the psychic envelope of these groups enabled a group creativity to emerge and be sustained. We support these remarks with an analysis of non-directive and semi-directive interviews (Lincoln, 1995) as well as recordings of sessions of a contemporary dance company, which were carried out via the Zoom platform throughout the lockdown period.

Following on from the work of Foulkes (1964), we propose in this article to take up the concept of 'group matrix'. We set out to provide new clinical-theoretical perspectives via the notion of group as 'envelope' elaborated by Anzieu (1975). This formulation will provide us with a canvas within which to apprehend the organizational and structural evolution of a therapeutic group for chronic psychotic patients. We will suggest models of the networks forming the matrix and the texture of the psychic envelope of the group. The aim is to bring out the peculiarities of the matrix in this type of group as well as its impact on the psychic positioning of the therapist and on his/ her therapeutic work within the group.

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Christian Bonnet, maître de conférences en psychopathologie clinique, Aix-Marseille-Université, membre du laboratoire lpcls (UA3298).