Workshop Description
Session abstracts are provided here with brief bios of presenters. For times please view the Conference Schedule.
Wednesday Pre Conference Session
Essential Elements of Group Psychotherapy 9:00am to 4:00pm
Topics to be covered in this pre-conference training will include;
~Different types of communication within groups; transference, countertransference, parataxic distortion, verbal/non-verbal, metacommunication, individual/group-as-a-whole, direct/non-direct, group feedback, therapist comment/interpretation
~Role of leader and qualities required for leadership
~Roles taken by group members
Learning Goals:
1) A comprehensive understanding of the many communication types that occur within the complexity of group interaction.
2) Insight into the different communication patterns of group members and group leader in group therapy.
3) Understanding the difference between group leader role and group members roles.
4) Participation and observation of specific experiential components in the training, will aid in clarification of practical implementation of the theory discussed.
Instructors:
Aida Cabecinha B.Sc.Reg.OT.,CGPA (Dip). OT with VHA Rehabilitation Solutions. Private practice.
Karen Redhill-Feinstein MA in Applied and Clinical psychology. CGPA (Dip) Private Practice.
Topics covered within the conference which build on this foundation are as follows;
~Developmental stages of Group therapy *
~Beginning a Group*
~Change in Group therapy
~Dealing with the difficult patient in group therapy
* Important workshops which will cover topics not included in the pre-conference training
Welcome Reception 7:00pm to 7:30pm
Canadian Group Psychotherapy Foundation Community Lecture
7:30pm to 9:00pm
Resilient Youth: Why Group Matters
Michael Ungar, Ph.D
Group work with youth who face significant adversity, either individually, in their families, with peers, or in their communities, provides many different opportunities to help young people nurture resilience. Using stories from adolescents with whom he’s worked in clinical and community settings around the world, Michael Ungar will explore how the group setting provides young people with (1) a supportive space to reflect on their past ways of coping, (2) a chance to explore opportunities available to them to create positive and powerful identities, and (3) a forum in which to define themselves as competent caring individuals capable of making a contribution to their own well-being and that of others. Even youth labeled dangerous, delinquent, deviant and disordered can use relationships with peers and caregivers as a way to navigate to the resources they need to build resilience, and negotiate for those resources to be provided in culturally meaningful ways.
Bio: Michael Ungar, Ph.D
is both a Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working directly with youth and families in child welfare, mental health, educational and correctional settings. He is now a University Research Professor and Professor of Social Work at Dalhousie University. He has conducted workshops internationally on resilience-related themes relevant to the treatment and study of at-risk youth and families and has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the topic. He is also the author of nine books including: The We Generation: Raising Socially Responsible Children and Teens; Counseling in Challenging Contexts: Working with Individuals and Families Across Clinical and Community Settings; and Strengths-based Counseling with At-risk Youth. Currently, as the Director of the Resilience Research Centre, he leads a number of studies of resilience involving researchers from more than a dozen countries on six continents. In addition to his research and teaching, Michael maintains a family therapy practice in association with Phoenix Youth Programs, a prevention program for street youth and their families. He is also a board member of the American Family Therapy Academy, has sat on the Board of Examiners for the Nova Scotia Association of Social Workers since 2002, and is on editorial boards of four journals, including Family Process and the British Journal of Social Work. Michael lives in Halifax with his partner and their two children.
This lecture is sponsored by the Canadian Group Psychotherapy Foundation
Open to the public – Free admission (conference registration is not required)
Conference Sessions- Thursday
Conference Kick Off – Welcome to Registrants? 8:30am
Panel Discussion -Sustainability: The Capacity to Endure 8:45am to 10:30am
Sustainability implies the ongoing balance of a particular system, the functioning of which will not lead to depletion.? Although a term borrowed from science, it has become the watchword by which we try to monitor human endeavour necessary to our continued survival.
The panel members will share their views on sustainability and discuss the idea of group work being an agent of sustainable mental health treatment.
Panel Members
Anthony S. Joyce, Ph.D., is Professor and Coordinator, Edmonton Psychotherapy Research and Evaluation Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, in Edmonton.
Jacqueline L. Kinley MD FRCPC Diplomat ABPN, Director, Mental Health Day Treatment Program, Assistant Professor, Dalhousie UniversityQE II Health Sciences Centre
Elliot M. Zeisel MSW, PhD, FAGPA is a graduate of the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis and is a licensed psychoanalyst. He is founder of the Center for Group Studies. Dr. Zeisel is also a faculty member and training analyst at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies and is Director of the Institute’s Group Department.
Moderator:Karen Redhill-Feinstein MA in Applied and Clinical psychology. CGPA (Dip) Private Practice.
Thursday Workshops 10:45am to 1:15pm
101:Whither Anger Management
Learning Goals:
1. To learn to assist men to acknowledge their core values and appreciate how angry and controlling behaviours are self-defeating in the long run.
2. To provide participants with tools that they can use in their interactions with aggressive male clients whether or not they are offering anger management therapy.
3. To increase awareness of one’s counter transference in working with this population.Abstract:
A man who uses abusive behaviour may be referred for cognitive behavioural anger management counseling or profeminist domestic violence counseling. Men often don’t engage in these groups as they feel shamed and believe that their personal pain is not being acknowledged. Respecting their humanity, while not minimizing the harm that they have caused is best accomplished with a psycho-educational approach model, that replaces shaming with ego enhancement and skills for self-containment. Effective management of the group dynamics enables the group to provide the members with helpful feedback.Bio:
Allan Sheps, MSW, RSW, FCGPA is a therapist and consultant in private practice in Thornhill, Ontario. He is a Past President of CGPA.
102. Beginning a Therapy Group: from Design to Implementation
Learning Goals:
1. Understand the role of therapeutic factors: how and when they apply to group therapy.
2. Explore the relationship between selection criteria and the group purpose.
3. Learn how to facilitate the construction of therapeutic norms.
4. Experience the influence of pre-training assessment.Abstract:
The psychological space between the idea of beginning a therapy group and walking into the first session can be daunting. This workshop will provide novice therapists with an overview of how to design a group, market it and select clients for the group. The topics to be covered include: what is group therapy, what are the benefits of group therapy, types of group therapy, the role of purpose in group design, selection criteria for group and pre-group training. Participants are encouraged to bring their ideas for therapy groups they are interested in leading. The format will include didactic material, small group work and a demonstration group.Bio:
Anne Mahoney Ph.D., FCGPA is a registered psychologist in private practice in Calgary, Alberta. She has served as director of GTTP, a CGPA accredited group therapy training program and is an adjunct assistant professor in the Dept. of Psychology, Univ. of Calgary.
103. Moving from Connection to Disconnection to Reconnection in Women’s Group
Learning Goals:
1. To identify some of the core concepts in the BPCW-BRCT model.
2. To understand the application of experiential relationship to core concepts.
3. To identify some ways that sustainable change occurs in brief women’s groups based on RCT and feminist theoryAbstract:
The BPCW (Brief Psychotherapy Centre for Women) is a community-based, non-medical psychotherapy service affiliated with Women’s College Hospital. The BPCW has developed an evidenced-based, time-limited psychotherapy approach to Relational-Cultural Theory from the Jean Baker Miller Training Institute in Wellesley Massachusetts. The Centre offers both group and individual therapy.A brief overview of the five elements of the BPCW Brief Relational-Cultural Therapy (BPCW-BRCT) model of individual and group therapy will be presented. Some of the core concepts of “movement in relationships” will be illustrated through experiential exercises and group experience. Through the application of brief, feminist and Relational-Cultural theories, the workshop will demonstrate how to work with these themes to promote healing and sustainable change in women’s groups.
Bio:
Anne Oakley Ph.D, FCGPA, Coordinator/Psychotherapist, Brief Psychotherapy Centre for Women (BPCW), Women’s College Hospital, Toronto
104. Creative Conversations: Gestalt Therapy in Groups
Learning Goals:
1. To become familiar with basic Gestalt therapy concepts and how they can be applied in a group therapy context.
2. To learn some practical Gestalt therapy techniques.
3. To explore and reflect on the process of therapeutic dialogue at various levels of experience.Abstract:
An introduction to basic concepts of Gestalt therapy will be presented. Through a series of training exercises, specific interventions will be demonstrated and taught. The application of Gestalt theory and practices in group work will be explored, with a focus on the process of therapeutic dialogue, at the interpersonal, intrapersonal and group-as-a-whole levels. The workshop will provide a context for experiential learning, observation of, and/or participation in personal growth work and reflection on the process of healing.Bio:
Elspeth MacEwan MD is a community psychiatrist and group therapist in Ottawa.
105a/b. The Development of the Interpersonal Ego in Modern Group Psychoanalysis (full day)
Learning Goals:
1. Participants will learn how to build a group contract and culture that supports exploration of resistance.
2. Resistance analysis will be demonstrated.
3. The leaders use of self in crafting interventions will be examined.Abstract:
This workshop will introduce participants to modern analytic group concepts including the contract, the technique of bridging and progressive communication. We will also focus on how the leader builds a group culture, where operations that are enhancing to the egos functioning are encouraged, including modeling, acknowledgement and the observing ego. Case illustrations will make these concepts come alive. I will also focus on the concepts of introject substitution, resistance analysis and the development of the interpersonal ego.This workshop will focus on the development of the emotional skills that are needed to form and maintain relationships. Learning to live in the moment with knowledge of the feelings you’re experiencing about yourself, and toward the person you’re interacting with, is crucial to interpersonal functioning. Through didactic and experiential learning we will explore the development of the interpersonal ego in the group leader and in our patients.
Bio:
Elliot M. Zeisel MSW, PhD, FAGPA is a graduate of the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis and is a licensed psychoanalyst. He is founder of the Center for Group Studies. Dr. Zeisel is also a faculty member and training analyst at the Center for Modern Psychoanalytic Studies and is Director of the Institute’s Group Department.
106/206. Institute Process Group (2 day)
Learning Goals:
1) To improve your ability to understand and comment on personal and group process.
2) To increase awareness of your personal style of relating and how this affects group dynamics and interpersonal connections in a group.
3) To become more able to identify group developmental stages and how they impact you and the group.
4) To increase awareness of the use of here and now experiences to elucidate personal, interpersonal and group experiences and themes.Abstract: The IPG ( Institute Process Group) provides an invaluable experiential learning opportunity for the duration of 10 hours over two days. The aim of this group is to learn through the here-and-now experience of being a participant in a group facilitated by an experienced therapist trained in institute leadership. Although it is not a therapy group, the act of becoming connected to a group over two days, being part of its developmental stages over time, and relating interpersonally to other members, provides rich material for processing and understanding group and interpersonal dynamics, as well as your own personal involvement and role in this process. An important component of this type of learning is the integration of didactic understanding of the group process, themes and leadership. The group psychotherapy skills gained are important in conducting any group, regardless of its theoretical orientation, time parameter or patient/client population. IPG’s are essential training and benefits the participants both personally and professionally. It is recommended that registrants for this group have some clinical experience in running groups.
Note: Registrants are required to make a commitment to attend both days of the institute training group.
Bio: Linda Goddard is a senior mental health practitioner with the Calgary Health Zone. Group psychotherapy practice, teaching, and supervision have been the focus of her 30 year career. Currently, Linda is a Clinical Supervisor and Consultant for several mental health programs within the Calgary Health Zone, including Adult Mental Health, Geriatric Mental Health, and Concurrent Disorders. She has been the Psychodynamic Individual and Group Supervisor within an Adult Outpatient Program since 1981. She is an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and heads the psychiatry residents’ group psychotherapy training at the University of Calgary. She is the lead supervisor for the Psychology Predoctoral Internship group psychotherapy module within the Calgary Consortium. She also teaches the predoctoral psychology group psychotherapy course at the University of Calgary. Linda has made numerous group psychotherapy presentations locally and nationally. Linda was a founding faculty and involved with the Calgary Group Psychotherapy Training Program between 1985 and 2000. She is a Fellow and Past President of the Canadian Group Psychotherapy Associations. Linda received both a Leadership and Lifetime Achievement award for her work in the field of Group Psychotherapy.
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Thursday Lunchtime Discussion Session 1:45pm to 2:30pm
Using Community Capacity Building and Group Principles to Nurture the Development of a Culture of Support in the Workplace
Presentation and Discussion:
The focus of this discussion is the development of a peer support program in a large urban public health organization. The program aims to create an everyday culture of support and to foster resilience during times of stress/workplace crisis.
We will touch on: Innovative, strength based approaches; social capital; attunement to diverse organizational dynamics; collaborative leadership; Community Capacity Building; Community of Practice. Participants will be invited to explore ideas for helping develop a culture of support within their own workplace.
PRESENTER: Alina Isaac
Alina Isaac, RN, RSW is a Mental Health Consultant with Toronto Public Health and is certified in group psychotherapy. Alina draws from various art forms to infuse her work with creative, action-oriented approaches.
Afternoon Workshops 2:30pm to 5:00pm
107. The Difficult Patient in Group Psychotherapy
Learning Goals:
1. Learn strategies to identify and more effectively deal with patients experienced as difficult.
2. Learn the value of a clear, complete contract (agreement) and meticulous and scrupulous attention to boundaries in treating the difficult patient.
3. Gain increased confidence and improved skills for treating patients previously described as difficult.Abstract:
This workshop will focus on the difficult patients encountered in the practice of group psychotherapy. This workshop is intended to increase participants’ knowledge and confidence with patients experienced as difficult. Among the difficult patients we will discuss will be those who are violent, narcissistic, borderline, addicted, monopolistic, or withdrawn. Various theoretical modalities and therapists’ styles will be considered when proposing ways to understand and treat the difficult patient.
Bio:
Leon J. Hoffman, Ph.D., ABPP, LFAGPA, CGP, is a psychologist in private practice in Chicago, Illinois, USA. Leon is an honorary member of CGPA.
108. The Mentorship Experience: Helping to Sustain Generations of Group Therapists
Learning Goals:
1. Be able to identify their mentors through the life cycle and come to understand the impact this has had on their life personally and professionally.
2. Learn to distinguish between roles of mentor, supervisor, role model and therapist.
3. Will gain knowledge regarding current literature on mentoring.
4. Learn roles and obligations regarding the mentor and mentee.Abstract:
This workshop will examine the concept of mentorship. We will describe the roles and obligations of mentors and mentees, present current research on this timely subject and its implications for training of the group therapist. We will discuss the role of group leader as mentor as well as group members providing mentorship to one another. We intend to illuminate our own experience as mentor and mentee and invite participants to share their own experiences. Also, we will speak to the multi generational mentoring that is occurring in the workshop.Bios:
Karen S. Travis is in private practice in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. She has 30 years experience in Social Work.
Etta Martin MSW, FAGPA, CGP is in private practice in Portland, Oregon, USA. She has 37 years experience in Social Work. She has been an active member of AGPA
109. Groups: Connecting Brain, Mind, Body, Movement, and Art
Learning Goals:
1) Group psychotherapists will understand why and how to add positive and creative elements to their various psychotherapy groups.
2) Learn about the therapeutic attributes of neurogenesis theory connected with positive psychology, brain plasticity, body-sensing, mindful awareness, dance/movement therapy, and art therapy sensitivity.
3) Participants will benefit from their own sharing and the open sharing of the co-facilitators of the workshop regarding their experiences and their own process in leading the workshop.
Abstract:
This workshop is intended to expand your potential and confidence in creativity, highlighting positive imaginative experiences, which afford an uplifting, change-your-brain focus. Experiences and theory are discussed as they relate to ways that groups connect brain, mind, and body through dance/ movement therapy and art therapy. Neurogenesis and healthy, congruent integration help combat negativity, shifting from neuroatrophy, linked to rigid or chaotic thinking. New pathways in and for our neurology will be stimulated through seeking artful images, movements, and inspiration.Bios:
Nick Zwaagstra, M.C., Specialization Art Therapy, Halifax, N. S., is a Registered Canadian Art Therapist and President of the Canadian Art Therapy Association (2006-2010).
Jo Ann Hammond-Meiers, PhD, R. Psychologist (AB) is a long-standing member of CGPA (RCAT, BC-DMT, and has a Graduate Diploma in Distance Education and Technology).
110. Team Process and Treatment Success with Severe Borderline Personality Disorder
Learning Goals:
1. To share a unique team experience in terms of group process.
2. To objectify aspects of team group process for achieving therapeutic success.
3. To encourage discussion and the sharing of team functioning experiences among therapists and trainees.
4. To explore the feasibility of generalizing the McGill University Hospital experience to a broad spectrum of team situations.Abstract:
The focus of this presentation is on the team as a small group. The McGill University Extended Care Borderline Personality Disorder team provides important lessons with regards to the manner in which team dynamics contribute significantly to the successful repair of patients’ personalities. This workshop will look at a spectrum of issues such as: aspects of leadership; team member selection; group matrix; group cohesion; roles of team members; psychodynamic processes; behavioral interactions; as well as their consequences for therapist interventions; and ultimately the impact of team process on patients. Discussion on the practical applications, in various settings, will be addressed.Bio:
Allen A. Surkis, Ph.D., is Past President and Fellow, CGPA. Currently, Consulting Psychologist, MUHC Extended Care BPD Clinic. He is Retired Chief Psychologist, Montreal General Hospital and Director of the Group Psychotherapy Training and Service.CGPA Gala Reception and Dinner Dance
Reception 7:00pm – Dinner 7:30pm
CGPA prides itself on throwing a relaxed and fun gala event every year. In the spirit of celebration and collegiality , please join us to meet or get reacquainted with colleagues from across Canada and the US.
Entertainment provided by :
Rockshow
CGPA is proud to present Rockshow . Rockshow is a Halifax, Nova Scotia based band, Formed in April 2005 Rockshow covers Popular Rock Hits from the 60′s to the Present. All members have been playing live since the 70′s-80′s and have a great following locally and beyond.
*Cost is included in full conference registration! Guests or pre / post attendees $65.00
Conference Sessions – Friday
CGPA Keynote Session 8:30am to 10:00am
Things I Have Learned: Creating Sustainable and Healing Groups
Dr. Scott Rutan
Dr. Rutan will review what he has learned in over 40 years of practicing group psychotherapy. He will speak to the changes in his approach over the years and how he arrived at them. These changes will also be reflected in both theoretical orientation and focus of psychotherapeutic technique.
Bio:
Dr. Rutan PhD.,a Distinguished Fellow and Past President of AGPA, is a highly sought after teacher and lecturer. He has presented on many occasions to CGPA, as well as throughout Europe and the U.S.
He is the senior co-author of the much respected text,Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy, now in its 4th edition with translations in Italian, Chinese, Hebrew among other languages.
Friday Workshops 10:15am to 12:45pm
201. Paper Presentations
201.1 – Building Capacity, Building Community: Introducing Group Programming to an Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Ward
Learning Goals:
1. Understand the logistical, clinical and cultural obstacles to introducing therapeutic groups to an acute inpatient ward.
2. Understand the ways in which different groups were developed to serve different purposes and clientele.
3. Learn the approach used to develop capacity for group leadership among our largely group-nave multidisciplinary staff.
4. Review qualitative and quantitative data reflecting changes in the patient experience since group work was instituted.
5. Understand the challenges to maintaining stable group programming.Abstract:
In this presentation we share the challenges and rewards our team encountered in introducing group programming onto our inpatient psychiatry ward. The initial challenges included a lack of space, a lack of staff experience in leading groups, and doubts among staff regarding the utility of this approach. In discussing implementation, we will focus on the interpersonal therapy group which required modifications to the standard group therapy approach to best serve our heterogeneous patient population. We will also discuss improvement in the patient experience since implementation of groups, and the effects on the working environment and staff cohesion.Bios:
Jason Morrison, MD, FRCPC, is an assistant professor in the Dalhousie Department of Psychiatry, and works in the inpatient unit and in the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program.
Jaime Stanley, MSc. OT (Reg N.S.), is a staff Occupational Therapist with the Capital District Health Authority, and works on two inpatient psychiatry units including in the Inpatient Eating Disorders program.
201.2 – Role of Therapeutic Support Groups in Bariatric surgery
Learning Goals:
1. Learn about an interdisciplinary model of care for patients being assessed and treated prior to bariatric surgery.
2. Recognize the role of a brief cognitive-behavioural therapy and solution focused therapy group intervention to support and facilitate behaviour changes necessary to consolidate the success of the treatment.
3. Understand the most salient psychosocial challenges and co-morbidities this population encounters, and the role of the group in addressing these challenges.
4. Will be provided with an overall description of the Bariatric surgery Program at University Health Network in Toronto.Abstract:
With the growing epidemic of obesity, bariatric surgery (gastric bypass surgery) is emerging as a viable treatment option. Using an interactive format and powerpoint presentation, we will present a unique collaborative model for the assessment and management of patients in the University Health Network Bariatric Surgery Program. The program provides short-term psychosocial treatment and psychiatric care for candidates for bariatric surgery for a period of five years, in order to facilitate their recovery on a long term, consistent basis, due to significant behaviour and lifestyle changes. This presentation will highlight common psychosocial issues encountered in the program and will provide a framework of reference to the introduction of therapeutic support groups, as an integral component to the program. Discussion of reported changes by participants will be shared with the audience, as well as qualitative and quantitative data on group outcomes. Participants will be provided with examples of group sessions to illustrate the common themes and therapeutic effect of this group modality.Bios:
Jairo Ortiz MSW,RSW Bariatric program social worker. Previously, clinician, Community Mental Health Program, Toronto Western Hospital, UHN; field instructor Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto.
Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam, MD, FRCPC, Director, Psychosocial Bariatric Surgery Program, Psychiatry Postgraduate Coordinator, University Health Network, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto.
201.3 – Interpersonal Predictors of Outcome Following Short-Term Group Therapy for Complicated Grief: A Replication
Learning Goals:
1. The patient’s attachment security has an impact on the outcome of short-term, dynamically-oriented group psychotherapy offered as a treatment for patients with complicated grief.
2. Attachment security may translate into better engagement of the patient in the therapy process, perhaps specifically in the patient’s contribution to the group’s level of cohesion.
3. Knowledge of prospective group members’ attachment security may be important when composing a new therapy group.Abstract:
The current study represented a replication of previous research, addressing measures of interpersonal relatedness as predictors of outcome for dynamically-oriented, short-term group psychotherapy for patients presenting with complicated grief (CG). In a previous analysis of data from a comparative trial of two forms (interpretive, supportive) of short-term group therapy (N = 107), we reported that three distinct indices of interpersonal relatedness—quality of object relations (QOR), current social functioning, and attachment insecurity—each had significant relationships with measures of treatment outcome, with attachment insecurity emerging as the strongest predictor. The current study (N=110) was based on data from a subsequent trial of the two therapy approaches that examined the effect of group composition on outcome. Predictor variables and outcome factors involved in the current analyses were similar or identical to those employed in the previous study, and an identical analytic strategy was followed. Only the patient’s attachment insecurity emerged as a strong predictor of psychotherapy outcome, providing a replication of the previous findings. The clinical implications and limitations of the results are discussed.Bios:
Anthony S. Joyce, Ph.D., is Professor and Coordinator, Edmonton Psychotherapy Research and Evaluation Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, in Edmonton.
John S. Ogrodniczuk, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor and Associate Director, Psychotherapy Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, in Vancouver.
William E. Piper, Ph.D., is Professor and Director, Psychotherapy Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, in Vancouver.
Amanda R. Sheptycki, B.A., is a former research assistant with the Edmonton PREU, and is currently responsible for in-hospital smoking cessation programs for the Edmonton zone of Alberta Health Services.
202. The Developmental Stages of Group
Learning Goals:
1. Identify the various stages of group development.
2. Recognize developmental shifts in the group’s maturation.
3. Identify and deal with developmental vicissitudes within group functioning.
Abstract:
Groups experience developmental stages parallel to, yet different from individual development. Knowledge of these stages enables the group therapist to understand and facilitate the process of psychodynamic psychotherapy groups more effectively, creating a more sustainable group culture. In addition, it helps to negotiate the vicissitudes of group progress, avoiding some of the common pitfalls. This workshop will explore the stages of group development, their characteristic tasks and the leadership qualities required at each stage. There will be a facilitated experiential group experience of these stagesBio:
Elinor Dunn Grayer PhD, is in clinical social work. She is on the faculty of the Sanville Institute in California and maintains a consulting and clinical practice in Encino, California.
203. Developing Effective Co-leader Partnerships
Learning Goals:
1. Identify personal and professional characteristics that are important in choosing a co-leader.
2. Define complimentary styles in co-leadership and demonstrate an understanding of how these styles can help in modeling conflict resolution.
3. Explain how transference evolves differently in the co-led group and how leaders can use this phenomenon to the members’ advantage.Abstract:
Co-leadership provides certain advantages and can enrich the therapeutic work, however, differing theoretical models, uneven investment, power imbalances, unclear working agreements, and unconscious issues between the leaders can confound the co-therapy relationship and limit the depth of the group’s therapeutic experience. This workshop will examine criteria for establishing a productive partnership, consider how differing therapist styles can be used effectively within the co-therapy team, and look at how these differences can enhance the transference opportunities available for group members.Throughout our collective experiential process, we will examine elements of power, conflict, and intimacy as they emerge within the group.
Bios:
Joan-Dianne Smith, MSW, RSW, FCGPA, is in private practice in Winnipeg, and is involved in the training and education committee of the Manitoba Section of CGPA.
Allan Sheps, MSW, RSW, FCGPA, is in private practice in Thornhill, Ontario, and is a Past-President of CGPA.
204. “One Size Does Not Fit All”: Group Therapy With Older Adults
Learning Goals:
1. To appreciate the relevance of applying a specially designed model to fit the needs of an aging population struggling to cope with multiple losses.
2. To learn about both the challenges and rewards of working with an older adult population.
3. To identify the similarities and differences of working with older versus younger group members.Abstract:
Creating successful therapy groups involves identifying the population, performing a needs assessment, shaping the group intervention, evaluating and if necessary, realigning the approach. Flexibility is key. In other words, a model that works in one setting with a certain age group may not work when applied elsewhere. Distinguishing features of an integrated group psychotherapy designed to meet the specific needs of an aging population in various settings will be demonstrated with respect to member selection, technique, therapeutic factors, themes and countertransferences.Bio:
Ken Schwartz, MD, FRCPC a geriatric psychiatrist, psychoanalyst and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. He leads groups at Baycrest Psychiatric Day Hospital for depressed older adults.
205a/b. The Regenerative and Relational Power of Grieving in Groups – Full Day
Learning Goals:
1. Identify cutting-edge thinking on the mourning process including the Harvard Child Bereavement Research Study, and adult studies.
2. Describe the main tasks of mourning.
3. Experience the group therapist’s active interventions to further the mourning process, including “bridging” group members in a conference process group.Abstract:
The loss of a significant attachment figure can unleash a range of primitive affects, shifts in self-identity, feelings of estrangement and detachment, and the loss of meaning and joyful experience. Alternately, a bereavement group connects the mourner with others, opens pathways to express longings and address “unfinished business”, and ultimately allows for new desire and vitality. Moreover, in this process, the therapist can actively help facilitate the group members sustaining or reworking a healthy relationship with their dead loved one through the group interaction.Bio:
Mary V. Sussillo, LCSW, BCD, CGP is a psychotherapist and Director, Center for Bereavement, New York City. Adjunct Faculty and Supervisor, National Institute for the Psychotherapies.Lunchtime Events
(grab a quick lunch and join in either event- Coffee and dessert will be served!)
Group Psychotherapy Research Panel: ABC’and 123′s 1:15- 2:30 pm
This informal panel will introduce 2 psychologists, and a psychiatrist, who are active researchers in Group Psychotherapy. They will be available to answer questions and discuss a broad range of interesting topics. If you have any questions, or ideas, or just want to join in the discussion, please bring join us.
Areas of interest might include: Starting to think about research, Beginning research in a group setting, Questions that might be answered by group research, Research design; qualitative and quantitative approaches, Developing research teams and collaborations and finally, Why bother? Is group research really of any interest or fun ”
Panelists:
Jacqueline L. Kinley MD FRCPC Diplomat ABPN, Director, Mental Health Day Treatment Program,Assistant Professor, Dalhousie University QE II Health Sciences Centre
Anthony Joyce Anthony S. Joyce, Ph.D., is Professor and Coordinator, Edmonton Psychotherapy Research and Evaluation Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, in Edmonton.
Jaime Williams
Women’s Caucus Lunchtime Meeting
This informal meeting will focus on issues and challenges inherent in integrating a feminist approach and feminist values into our group psychotherapy practice. Isolation can be a serious obstacle to achieving this goal and can be countered by establishing a supportive network of colleagues. Come join us and share strategies and support.? All are welcome!
Chair: Anne Oakley Ph.D, FCGPA, Coordinator/Psychotherapist, Brief Psychotherapy Centre for Women (BPCW), Women’s College Hospital, Toronto
Afternoon Workshops 2:30pm to 5:00pm
207. Frustrating Patients; Recognizing and Treating Alexithymics
Learning Goals:
1. Define the concept.
2. Recognize syndrome early as successful treatment hinges on it.
3. Adapt your treatment strategies to help the alexithymic group member.
4. Educate your group to adjust their approach and expectations.
Abstract:
Alexithymics are individuals who have difficulties recognizing and/or expressing their own feelings and also, cannot they decipher other people’s expressions and feelings. Alexithymic individuals are more numerous in therapy groups than assumed-and not just among men! They are often overlooked or misdiagnosed. The resulting frustration affects the patient, the group and the therapist as well. In this workshop we will focus on the clinical presentation, with examples, and will learn to view this syndrome on a continuum. We will pay attention not only to the necessary adjustments in technique, but also to sensitize the other group members to the specific challenges of this population.Bio:
John Salvendy M.D., FRCPC, FCGPA is the founding president of CGPA, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and in private practice
208. Dialogue in Group Psychotherapy: Confrontation And Empathy
Learning Goals:
1. Understand the complexities of confrontation and empathy.
2. Use empathic confrontation wisely as a therapist.
3. How to improve therapeutic and supervisory skills.
4. To heighten the sensitivity of self- reflection.Abstract:
Confrontation and empathy are the basic cognitive and emotional patterns of human interaction in the therapy group. Regardless of theoretical orientation participants will learn to analyze their interactive dialogue as participants and therapists. A fishbowl will
be used for demonstration in this experiential-didactic workshop.Bio:
Fern Cramer Azima PhD, FCGPA is a past president of CGPA and IAGP, and is current president of CGPA Foundation. She is the author of 3 books and 30 articles and lectures widely.
209. Online Psychotherapy Groups
Learning goals:
1) To review the history of online therapeutic groups and online psychotherapy groups (OPG).
2) To look at positive and negative aspects of OPG.
3) Applications of OPG
4) Sharing personal experience of being in a two week intensive OPG (American Group Psychotherapy Association 2010 conference).Abstract:
Online Psychotherapy groups (OPG) have evolved since the inception of the internet. They can have various time-boundaries and structures and can accommodate large groups of people who are not bound by physical space. There are significant differences in dynamics between OPG and face-to-face groups. In this presentation we will explore the dynamics of OPG using as an example the presenters experience in a two week intensive OPG at the AGPA conference in February of 2010.Bio:
Dr. Kas Khorasani MD FRCPS is a psychiatrist who is presently practicing in academic teaching hospitals within the University of Toronto network. His analytic training has been through Toronto Institute for Contemporary Psychoanalysis.
210. Strength in The Circle: How Change Occurs in Group
Learning Goals:
1. Explore Yalom’s eleven therapeutic factors of change and understand how these factors operate in group work.
2. Understand group dynamic mechanisms and how those mechanisms evoke change.
3. Understand processes of change, group development and stages.Abstract:
Change requires modification and possibly loss of the familiar. In this workshop through didactic teaching, sharing of experiences and thoughtful reflection, it is hoped that participants will learn and/or refresh their knowing of how change occurs in the group. To strengthen and sustain the group the leader must understand the dynamics that keep the group alive. This workshop will explore “how the circle works.” Groups are integral to our experience as social beings; we are born into a group and live our lives in a variety of groups. When we understand the process of groups we can begin to see how personally meaningful change can take place in the circle of group therapy.Bio:
Karen S. Travis is a social worker in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA. She has 30 years of social work and group experience. She is in private practice, an adjunct faculty member, and contract group therapist for an intensive outpatient day treatment center.Reception- Close of Conference Ritual 5:00 – 5:45 pm
The Olympics highlight an exciting closing ceremony – why not CGPA
Come join us to socialize after much learning. Enjoy some refreshments and snack s
2010 CGPA Annual General Meeting 5:45- 6:45 pm
CGPA members are invited to attend and vote on resolutions being presented at this year’s meeting. Non-members are invited to come and learn more about the workings of the organization.
Chair: Terry Simonik R.N., M.Ed?? President, CGPA
CGPA Public Lecture ”The Healing Effects of Belonging”
with Dr. Scott Rutan 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Saturday Post Conference Training
Process Group Experience 9:00am to 4:00pm
The post-conference process group will provide a unique opportunity for participants to take part in an experiential group. Key interactions and group dynamics will then be discussed by the group leader and group members in order to better understand group functioning. Although not a therapy group participants will have the opportunity to gain insight into their style of interpersonal relating and the way in which this may impact on others in the group. It is only by being a member of a group that a realistic understanding of the power of group interactions can be gained. In addition, this experience allows for greater empathy with group members when a leadership role is undertaken.
Group Leader : Anne Mahoney Ph.D., FCGPA is a registered psychologist in private practice in Calgary, Alberta. She has served as director of GTTP, a CGPA accredited group therapy training program and is an adjunct assistant professor in the Dept. of Psychology, Univ. of Calgary.