Chapter 5: The dangers of contagion: Projective identification processes in institutions.

The article describes how clients rid themselves of their painful feelings, and also communicate aspects of their experience which they cannot put into words, by projecting them into the staff. This can have a profound effect on a staff group. They too can become distressed and deal with this by projection. It is sometimes impossible for people in distress to put into words those aspects of their experience for which they want help. They do not know much consciously about what is troubling them; they only know they are suffering. One task of the consultant to an institution is to help staff learn to understand and interpret this communication. The second point is to emphasize the difficulties with which the staff have to cope, not least because they are constantly barraged by clients' projections. Instead of denial and projection, there is room for thoughtful and creative interest in the problems of the institution, and for developing conscious strategies that support healthy growth and development.