Work-related psychotherapy groups for elderly employees in psychodynamic inpatient rehabilitation

Studies show a high level of vocational strains in psychosomatic patients in midlife. Thus a short term psychodynamic group therapy concept has been developed for psychosomatic inpatient rehabilitation. In a four week closed group vocational strains and conflicts are focused. Based on 14 completed groups (107 patients) therapeutic strategies, clinical experiences and first results are presented based on patients' evaluations. Vocational stresses (coping with the work load, a lack of vocational perspectives, conflicts with colleagues and supervisors) had a high impact on the majority of patients, particularly on those enrolled for the group treatment. The group treatment was well accepted by the patients; characteristic transference constellations involving the younger therapists are discussed. Reflecting vocational problems in a homogeneous group of patients of the same age range (50 to 59 years) counteracted demoralization and resignation and provided an opportunity for exploring their role in creating vocational conflict and developing perspectives of change.