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The Phenomenon of Silence

The phenomena of silence and quietness have been omnipresent in human life since its beginning. Nevertheless, they are rarely explored in their comprehensive and particular meanings. The author explores the meanings of silence and quietness in psychotherapy and in everyday life through theoretical considerations, clinical and social life examples, bearing in mind the psychodynamic/group analytic frame of reference. The dynamics of the transformation of non-verbal communication into verbal, the many meanings of an apparent lack of communication, and its understanding and differentiation from the culture of keeping silent are discussed, as well as the roles of internal and external group influences. In conclusion, the author refers to the phenomena of silence and quietness as regressive, repressive, transitional, transferential and countertransferential, as well as progressive phenomena spectrum. This article is dedicated to Malcolm Pines for the pleasant and thought provoking encounters, both personally and through his works, and for his sharp eye in perceiving messages and nuances of verbal and silent communications in depth and width, that inspired me to examine the contents of silences.