An Interview with Elliot Zeisel, Phd, CGP, DFAGPA

The From the President Strategic Work Fall 2014 Les Greene, PhD, CGP, LFAGPA

Group ummer is over. The Snurseries are displaying their har- vest-hued rows of chrysanthemums; peaches and nec- tarines have been Circle replaced by tougher The Newsletter of the skinned apples and American Group Psychotherapy Association gourds at my favorite farmers’ mar- and the International Board for Certification of ket; and an assortment of LLBean- Group Psychotherapists type catalogues, replete with pho- tos of golden retrievers lying near cozy fireplaces, are beginning to pile up on my coffee table. Time to get back to work after an all too brief hiatus. To Be Bold at the AGPA Institute: Not that AGPA takes much down time. In the past year, some An Interview with Elliot Zeisel, PhD, CGP, DFAGPA of its many achievements have included further tweaking of our Hank Fallon, PhD, CGP, FAGPA, Co-Chair, Annual Meeting Committee state-of-the art technologies—website, online directories, and next the database to enhance the members- Editor’s Note: Elliot Zeisel, PhD, CGP, DFAGPA, is relationships, I was convinced only website area—and holding our the Institute Opening Plenary speaker at AGPA’s 2015 that I was in need of treat- highly successful Annual Meeting in Annual Meeting in San Francisco, California. A vet- ment if I was to live the life I Boston. Hardly skipping a beat, a broad eran AGPA Annual Meeting speaker, Dr. Zeisel was the envisioned. I wanted to find array of new projects have been leader of the One Day Special Institute in 2009 and out how to be more confident, completed or are being developed the Louis R. Ormont Speaker at the 2013 AGPA Annual have a successful relation- and implemented, including: the Meeting. He has served on the Boards of Directors of ship, and feel less depressed. updating of new scientific studies on the effectiveness of our craft; AGPA, the Group Foundation for Advancing Mental Fortunately, in my first week constructing new long-distance edu- Health, and the International Board for Certification of social work graduate school, cational offerings; completion and of Group Psychotherapists. He served as Vice Chair a classmate introduced me to dissemination of our latest train- of the Group Foundation, where he led the effort to a Modern Analyst, Dr. Dolores ing manual on process addictions; approving a plan to revise our core reach outside of the group clinician community with Welber, and I started individual treatment. principles manual; and planning an unparalleled ability to convey his enthusiasm for Sometime later, she suggested that I join her for what promises to be an excit- group therapy and create support for the organizations’ therapy group. I told her that I wanted to be part of ing 2015 Annual Meeting in San community outreach, education and research goals. Dr. a group, but I didn’t want to work with her; I wanted Francisco, as well as what I hope will be a truly peak experience that Zeisel is an in-demand teacher in the field of group to go work with someone named Lou Ormont. Her marks our 75th anniversary celebra- psychotherapy, having trained hundreds of professionals response was “Why him?” I understood that I needed tion in 2017. in the theory and practice of group psychotherapy and to work with a woman and a man: I needed to do The next really big project modern psychoanalytic theory from New York City to reparative work with my mother and father; and I moving to the front burner is hon- ing our Strategic Plan—that set of Rochester to Austin to Israel. He is an honorary mem- needed to know both the woman in me and the man four overarching goals reflecting ber of the Israeli Institute of Group Analysis and has in me. After a lot of talking, she agreed and I went to our organizational values and mis- worked to create training partnerships between Israeli work with Lou. sion, the delineation of conceptual and Palestinian clinicians. He is a founding member of I was 24 when I first met Louis Ormont, PhD, strategies for achieving them, the action-based tactics for carrying out the Center for Group Studies. DFAGPA, in a screening interview prior to entering these strategies, and, new to this group. He took my history and asked about the earli- current revision, a set of measures HF: Will you share with our readers how and est memory I had of my mother and father. At the for evaluating the effectiveness of when you first became interested in group time, I had no clue why he was asking those particular our organization-wide efforts. We want to talk the talk, but more psychotherapy? How did the Modern Analytic questions. It was only later that I understood that Lou importantly, we want to walk the approach become your theoretical home? was attempting to anticipate what the transference/ walk by delivering meaningful and The answers to these two questions are excerpted from countertransference experience would be. He was try- continued on page 6 an interview by AGPA member, William Whitney, PhD, ing to understand what parts of his female(ness) and that appeared in the Group Psychotherapy Association male(ness) would be engaged as we worked together. of Los Angeles’ Spring 2014 newsletter. I came to group from a relatively cloistered experience. I was born in New York City, but raised in the What’s Inside EZ: As a young man, I came to understand that I country, and although it was only 35 miles from the From the Editor 2 needed help to grow up and mature. I didn’t know city, it felt very remote. My family was part of a Modern 2015 Annual Meeting 2 much about group therapy, but I knew I needed help. Orthodox Jewish enclave surrounded by a sometimes It was the sixties, and the importance of searching for anti-semitic community (it was just a few years post Member News 3 identity was high on the list of the counterculture’s WWII and there was menace in the air). I grew up not In Memoriam 4 creed. There was an emphasis on finding meaning knowing much about the outside world. Letter to the Editor 5 in work and love. In my early twenties, after a few Group Assets Insert continued on page 3 Consultation, Please 7 Affiliate Society News 8 The Group Circle is Promoting Secure Attachments Through Group Psychotherapy published four times a year by the American Group Psychotherapy Theme of AGPA’s 2015 Annual Meeting Association, Inc. and the International Board for Certification of Group an Francisco will be the place to be February 23-28, Association. Psychotherapists. Swhen AGPA gathers for its 2015 Annual Meeting at 1. The Golden Gate Bridge manages to impress even Editor the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Hotel at Embarcadero the most experienced travelers with its stunning 1.7-mile Steven Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP, FAGPA Center. Among the highlights is the Special Institute, span. A pedestrian walkway allows the crossing on foot, Editorial Staff where attendees will have the opportunity to choose from and bikes are allowed on the western side. Hank Fallon, PhD, CGP, FAGPA one of two Special Institute presentations on Monday, 2. Cable cars have been transporting people around Michael Hegener, MA, LCP, FAGPA Kathy Reedy, MSW, MFT, BCD, CADC, CGP February 23. Stephanie Covington, PhD, LCSW, will dis- San Francisco since the late 19th century. Tickets ($5) cuss Why Gender Matters: Creating Trauma Services for may be purchased at the cable car turnarounds at the ends Managing Editor Women and Men, and David Wallin, PhD, will present The of each route. Each one-way ride will provide spectacular Marsha Block, CAE, CFRE Therapist as a New Attachment Figure: How Our History views of the city’s celebrated hills as well as exhilarating Editorial/Production Managers Affects our Efforts to ‘Raise’ Secure Patients. transportation. Nicole Millman-Falk, CAE Angela Stephens, CAE The Institute also offers more than 40 sessions devoted 3. Alcatraz, the notorious former prison, is located on AGPA to small group experiential teaching. Both Process Group an island of the same name in the middle of San Francisco 25 East 21st Street, 6th floor Experiences (PGE) and Specific Interest Sections will be Bay. Though several tried, no inmate ever made a success- New York, NY 10010 held. The three-day Conference offers a variety of formats, ful escape from The Rock. Recorded cell-house tours are phone: 212-477-2677 toll-free: 877-668-AGPA including limited registration workshops, as well as open available, allowing visitors to learn about the prison as fax: 212-979-6627 session panels on special topics and original scientific they explore the buildings and grounds. Advance reserva- e-mail: [email protected] paper sessions. tions are required. www.agpa.org For complete details on the Institute and the entire 4. Fisherman’s Wharf is home to Pier 39, a festive Advertising Rates Annual Meeting, including how to register, visit AGPA’s waterfront marketplace that is one of the city’s most popu- website at www.agpa.org/home/continuing-ed-meetings- lar attractions. From there it’s a short walk to the Wax Display Ad Sizes events-training/annual-meeting. Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and the famous crab Width/Height Cost Full Page vendors selling walk-away crab and shrimp cocktails. 83/4 x 133/4 $ 1,250 10 Things To See in San Francisco 5. Union Square, where major department stores Half Page Vertical Of course, another highlight of the Annual Meeting is its and exclusive boutiques line the streets, is the place 41/4 x 133/4 $ 625 location. Although San Francisco is big on attractions for serious shoppers. A must-see is the Ferry Building Half Page Horizontal 83/4 x 63/4 $ 625 and amenities, it is geographically small—only 49 square Marketplace, offering shops and special dining. The Quarter Page miles. So it is very easy to see and do a great many things Westfield San Francisco Shopping Centre houses the larg- 41/4 x 63/4 $ 325 in a short period of time. Here is a list of the top 10 things est Bloomingdale’s outside of New York and the second Sixth Page 23/4 x 63/4 $ 210 you’ll want to see, according to the San Francisco Travel continued on page 5 Twelfth Page 23/4 x 31/8 $ 110 Call Nicole Millman-Falk at 201-652-1687 for further details.

CGP, FAGPA, and Karin Hodges, PsyD, had never received letters to the editor Siddharth Shah, MD, MPH, CGP, was From the CGP, have shared with us their poignant responding to an article published the result of his conversations with Dr. experiences of what an amazing woman, until I received two in reaction to Avula, and later myself, that was aimed group psychotherapist, colleague, the fascinating and important article at finding common ground while holding Editor mentor, and collaborator Barbara Cohn, written by Kavita Avula, PsyD, CGP, in to certain opinions and reactions that Steven Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP, FAGPA PhD, CGP, ABPP, LFAGPA, was for so the Spring 2014 Issue. As a result I we all hoped could be taken into more many AGPA members. Our heart and received two more letters, only one of appropriate venues for ongoing dialogue sympathies go out to Bernie Frankel and which I published here due to space (i.e., the large group, conversation all has officially set in, and the family. considerations. I published these letters tables, etc.). These pages are not meant memories of summer are likely Hank is a major contributor in in this and the last issue because I to be a venue for exploring political fading as we all immerse ourselves this issue, also interviewing Institute thought them important, certainly with differences, although sometimes those F Opening Plenary Speaker Elliot Zeisel, respect to their content, but more differences might emerge. Rather, The in new initiatives, projects, our academic calendars, strengthening our practices, PhD, CGP, DFAGPA. Hank is a veteran importantly as a model for dialogue. This Group Circle is designed to look at planning for upcoming holidays, all the interviewer and asks interesting reminded me of a published conversation interesting and important work our while simultaneously observing the questions that produce stimulating in the Summer 2012 issue (which can organization and our members are doing, closing of swimming pools, the return of tidbits of knowledge that should whet be found in the Practice Resources as well as how we all engage in dialogue children to school life, and the emerging the appetite of anyone considering section of the AGPA website) between and exploration through groups. autumn foliage. Autumn often puts me attending the 2015 Annual Meeting. me, Robi Friedman, PhD, Nimer Said, MA, For this reason, I feel that it is in a contemplative mood about a great Our regular column Consultation, and Haim Weinberg, PhD, CGP, FAGPA, important to hold dialogues, where many things, including what will this year’s Please is back with two clinical on The International Dialogue Initiative. members who have deeply held beliefs Annual Meeting be like, how on earth will responses from AGPA members to a In that conversation, we discussed and perceptions and yet find a way to we complete all of the interviews with group dilemma from a training group. what happens when two people who begin to understand those of others speakers beforehand, what new friends I have not heard from any of you by have a relationship based on relational in a respectful and deep manner. This will I make, how many old ones will I be letter about your reactions to the factors and experiences suddenly is what Dr. Friedman and Mr. Said do able to spend some time with, how will our evidenced-based responses, but many find themselves as representatives in their work with dialogue groups, community deal with the many challenges of you have told me directly that you of a particular group and a particular what Dr. Avula does in her work as an of this year—personal, professional, and thought the column to be as interesting collective identity, when competing international psychologist, what Dr. Shah global—and where will my next long bike and enjoyable to read as it always is, loyalties and betrayal to the group, to does in his work with Tibetan refugees, ride take place? so we hope to continue soliciting the oneself and one’s competing identities, and what many more of our members do With sadness I report that another occasional responses from members of and to a relationship can produce great whether in therapy groups, consultation, of our AGPA family passed away the Science to Services Task Force. internal conflict. or crisis intervention groups. • recently, and both Hank Fallon, PhD, As I reported in my last column, I The latest letter, written by

2 Zeisel came from hoping that I’d acquire some new skills and say, “In group, if you feel or see something, say continued from page 1 and from the anticipation of getting to know a room something.” Go where the emotional action is and full of new people; feeling afraid also came from the you won’t go wrong. Take up at least one portion of In the group, I met for the first time people anticipation of getting to know a room full of new the talking time in each process group. In the didac- who were like minded, but also different from me— people. It was the excitement of anticipating if I’d tic portion, ask questions. Give yourself the freedom someone from Oklahoma, people of color, Christians feel adequate, shamed or humiliated, and would I to make five mistakes a day as long as you can learn of all sorts. I learned how conflict could be resolved find love? from each one. There is a great deal of informa- in ways that I never imagined. I witnessed people tion to acquire in this kind of process learning, and fight, but not somatize or overwhelm others with HF: As institute leaders and members head there’s a chance to get attached to fellow partici- their rage. In the group I got to experience interac- into this year’s sessions, especially less pants in a very significant way. It’s an opportunity to tions between people that were intimate, passionate, experienced ones, what thoughts do you have be known and to know others. In an Institute group, and deeply felt. for them regarding the two days ahead of you have an opportunity to build your own AGPA During that first year, I was often frightened as them? community, one that will nurture you through a life- I arrived for the session. I stayed in the same group, EZ: Be bold! I once had a private lesson with time of professional development. Monday morning 8 AM, for 24 years. At some Jerome Robbins, one of the 20th century’s greatest point, I joined one of Lou’s training groups, Friday choreographers, that taught me this lesson. HF: The theme of this year’s Annual Meeting mornings at 11:30 AM, so my week was bracketed My first office in New York City was on East is Promoting Secure Attachments Through by experiences with Lou and group. I spent many 82nd Street, around the corner from where he lived. Group Therapy. Many participants become thousands of hours with Lou to my benefit. I often On Thursday evenings, I had two groups with a half greatly attached to other members, being an tell beginning therapists that your own treatment is an hour between sessions. My habit was to walk Institute member, and then an AGPA member. going to be your most important teacher in learning around the block during the break, reviewing the What do you think helps that occur? how to do this work. If you can attach yourself to an events of the earlier session while preparing for EZ: I believe that the degree to which members analyst/teacher who can go the distance with you, the next. On several occasions, I’d crossed paths of an Institute group become attached is in direct you can accomplish wonderful things. When you with Robbins, who was out walking his dog. As the proportion to two factors: the leader’s skill in form- work with unconscious material, it’s wise to remain seasoned New Yorker I was practicing to be, I said ing and maintaining the group; and the participants’ in treatment and supervision, which I continue to nothing and walked on. This happened several times willingness to know themselves and the other mem- do. It is a lifelong learning process. until one balmy spring evening, I decided to nod in bers of the group. The leader’s task is to set the his direction ever so slightly, in recognition of who frame and build a group culture of tolerance, curios- HF: What have the Institutes meant to you, he is, without giving offense. His response was to ity and exploration. In the process of considering both from the perspective of a member and nod in my direction in an exaggerated way, driv- our capacity for attachment, we hope there will be as a leader? ing home the idea that if you’re making the gesture resistance to attachment. If we view resistance as EZ: It was in the group with Lou that I first learned man, make it! a positive, as a way of understanding how a person about AGPA. In preparation for attending my first So in your Institute experience, be bold! survives in the world and why (s)he might have Annual Meeting, I was told that the Institute experi- Find out what you’re feeling in the moment about chosen a particular path, then we’re all going to ence is the best way to get immersed in the work yourself and towards the people around you. It’s learn something. Through the study of resistance, of group. It’s two days of process learning that is a chance to further train yourself in recognizing the leader and group members work to understand both experiential and didactic. You hear about a emotions as they occur. Feelings, after all, are its function. Once the resistance is understood, new theory of practice and then you get to experience it. primitive messages from your mind to you that options for behaving and relating become available There’s no better way to learn because it engages are there to inform. They are the raw data of our to experiment with. your mind, body, and heart. I was very young and psychic instrument that equips us in our work as We can all acquire new information about eager to prove to myself and to the immediate world group leaders and members. our capacity for living life that’s attached to other that I was capable. I can recall feeling excited and In New York the new catchphrase is, “If you see people. The Institute experience is rich with such afraid as I entered my first Institute. The excitement something, say something.” I’d modify that slightly possibilities! •

MemberNews

Josephine Tervalon LCSW, CGP, LFAGPA, Sitting in “The Chair,” while one’s professional life is received the 2014 Day-Garrett Award for distinguished being reflected to you in front of colleagues, family, and service to the Smith College School for Social Work and friends, is as much anxiety as those who sit in the audi- the Social Work Profession. The Award noted that Tervalon ence waiting to see if their name is the one which will be is a consummate teacher and mentor, providing “astute called for the Oscars. Being honored by peers is one of the social work supervision” to generations of MSW students. greatest gifts I can receive.” She was also cited for her work inspiring women in the Steve Van Wagoner PhD, CGP, FAGPA, Editor practice of group psychotherapy over a career that spans of The Group Circle, has been named Chair of the National 50 years. Said Tervalon upon receiving the Award: Group Psychotherapy Institute at the Washington School “This is an awesome and overwhelming experience. of Psychiatry.

3 In Memoriam: Barbara Cohn, PhD, ABPP, LFAGPA

Barbara Cohn, PhD, ABPP, LFAGPA, died August 7, 2014, after a ing an Open Session in which she was part of hard year of fighting an aggressive lymphoma. Barbara’s death is a great the panel and I was struck by her work and the loss to all who knew her. Barbara held numerous professional positions courage that it must have taken to prepare and and hospital appointments in her career and had been an Associate give that presentation. Her last presentation Clinical Professor of Medical Psychology at Columbia University, College at AGPA was a workshop that she co-led with of Physicians and Surgeons. In addition to the many things Barbara was Margaret Postlewaite, PhD, CGP, FAGPA, in involved in at the time of her illness, she was concentrating on her practice February 2013 in New Orleans. Luckily, I was and finishing the novel she was writing. She was a long-time AGPA and able to attend that workshop and was able to experience what Barbara and Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society member who contributed signifi- Margaret offered to senior therapists as they continued their professional cantly to both organizations. Barbara authored numerous articles for the journey while aging. I don’t think Barbara was fearless, but I believe she International Journal of Group Psychotherapy (IJGP) and other journals, was committed to doing what she set her mind to do, and in my opinion, and contributed to edited books with chapters on group psychotherapy. she always did it with conviction and grace. Within AGPA, Barbara had been a Co-Chair of the Women’s Group Barbara was a wonderful work partner who was extremely knowledge- Psychotherapy SIG, an Institute Committee member, and Co-Chair of able, direct, supportive and creative. One of the things she did so well as the Workshop Committee. As an Annual Meeting Faculty member, she a Workshop Co-Chair was work with others who submitted proposals to led institutes, workshops, and open sessions both alone and with others. help them maximize the learning for themselves and those who attended Barbara was a Life Fellow of AGPA and took that designation seriously, as their sessions. Sharing thoughts and feelings with Barbara was easy as she noted by the creativity and work she consistently put into our organization. was very adept at listening, holding, and then helping clarify the issues so I first met Barbara in 2006 when we both joined the AGPA Annual something meaningful might occur. On more than one occasion during our Meeting Committee as Workshop Co-Chairs. During a May Conference joint tenure she did that for me and for others. meeting at the AGPA office that year, and the others that followed in sub- On the album Viva La Vida by Coldplay, the song 42 has a refrain that sequent years, Barbara’s incredible work ethic was clearly evident. She says “Those who are dead are not dead, they’re just living in my head.” also had a wonderful sense of humor and brilliant smile. We were in that Barbara and I shared a mutual enjoyment of swimming, talked about it, Co-Chair role together for six years, and I consider myself a very lucky and each of us swam at AGPA when able to do so. I have many memories man to have worked with her during that time. Over the years, we talked of Barbara, but I have one that I frequently recall. From the side of the about many things, both professional and personal. I greatly value those pool I can see Barbara swimming with an absolutely radiant smile reflect- conversations and I will truly miss having more of them. ing the joy that she was experiencing while in the water doing what she Barbara demonstrated a willingness to stretch, grow, and push herself, loved. That is how I will always remember Barbara: smiling, warm, and and she was supportive and encouraging of those either contemplating or very deeply experiencing what she was doing. I will miss her greatly, but I doing the same. She was a wonderful, caring teacher and fulfilled that role am very grateful and thankful for the time I, and others, had with her. across the many facets of her life. As previously noted, Barbara contrib- Barbara is survived by her husband Bernie Frankel, PhD, ABPP, uted to AGPA by committing her thoughts to paper and presenting what LCSW, BCD, LFAGPA and family. she believed at the Annual Meeting and in the IJGP. I remember attend- Hank Fallon, PhD, CGP, FAGPA

Recalling “Backstage” Chats with Barbara Cohn, My AGPA “Senior Consultant”

Karin Maria Hodges, PsyD, CGP ways in which she understood patient my life when I was shifting away from any readers of this review by throw- arbara Cohn, PhD, ABPP, concerns situated within the backdrop organizational life toward independent ing down a gauntlet regarding Lucy BLFAGPA, brought an enjoyable of their lives. In my view, Barbara was practice and increased work-life bal- Holmes important book, The Internal brand of collegiality and leadership to “the people’s therapist,” not weighed ance. Not long after giving birth to my Triangle, then I am delighted.” (Cohn, the American Group Psychotherapy down by confusing jargon but forth- child, I was in the midst of develop- 2009, pp. 373). This quote exempli- Association. She never boasted or right, clear, understanding, and aware. mental shifts and Barbara’s intimate fies Barbara’s strength and forth- accentuated her professional and Barbara’s play space was in the understanding and wisdom regarding right communication style. She was academic positions, yet Barbara had American Group Psychotherapy women’s development through the eloquent and persuasive regarding an incredibly illustrious career. She Association, a space where early life span helped her nurture my own critically important matters, without was Associate Professor of Medical in her career she could grow and development in enduring ways. While sacrificing humor and grace. Psychology at Columbia University develop her unique professional voice spending time with Barbara, both on Barbara was a talented and College of Physicians and Surgeons; and collaborate with colleagues. She the phone and in person, I observed compassionate mentor. Sometimes Director of Psychology Education engaged in varied leadership roles that she was forthright, poised, and mentors guide their protégés to the at St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital in AGPA. I had the distinct honor highly intelligent. As I came to know “center of the stage,” encouraging Center (i.e., Director of Psychology of co-chairing the Women’s Special her more fully, I also recognized her their protégés to tackle stage fright. Internships and Fellowships); and she Interest Group with Barbara, where I humility, quiet confidence, and gener- At other times, mentors are habitually had an independent psychotherapy deeply felt her appreciation of lifelong ous heart; she gave gifts, literally and in the spotlight themselves, inadver- practice. Barbara worked with indi- female development and dynamics figuratively, with no strings attached. tently creating lights and shadows for viduals and couples in her private specific to women. She understood the In her review of Lucy Holmes’ their protégés to manage, metabolize, practice, and authored many book complex intrapsychic and interper- book, Barbara wrote “I wish there and digest. Barbara did neither of chapters and articles in peer-reviewed sonal processes related to pregnancy, were a way to interest men in the bur- these things with me. Rather, she took journals. In one of those articles childbirth, mothering, and all-female geoning literature on female develop- me for many private walks “back- (Cohn, 2007), she highlighted the groups. I knew Barbara at a time in ment…if I’ve managed to challenge continued on page 6

4 ence that she crafted a case against Israel and Jews when we debate the merits of the ideas. It is impor- in other parts of the world. In the portion of her tant to try to avoid projection and the placement of Letters to the article found objectionable, Kavita wrote about a disavowed parts of the group into those who choose focused issue: a social trauma that she experienced to speak their truth. Editor visiting Ramallah, and that she found some people I felt nervous writing this letter. This is a con- are not ready to accept in and of itself. Can we talk tentious topic that routinely ignites firestorms, hurt about oppression in the West Bank and Gaza with- feelings, and mistrust, but I see a glimmer of hope. Dear Editor: out reflexively talking about the wider historical I was encouraged by something Dr. Naar communi- I would like to preface this letter by saying that I am context of Jewish suffering? Can we focus on the cated to Dr. Avula; he commended her for present- approaching the article by Kavita Avula, PsyD, CGP newsworthy suffering of Palestinian families without ing her views. When I think about it, I realize that in the Spring 2014 issue of The Group Circle and the qualifying it? even in the passion of his feelings and reactions, responses it stimulated in the Summer 2014 issue I do not deny the real suffering of and con- he invites us to a dialogue. And Dr. Saiger recog- by Ray Naar, PhD, ABPP, CGP, TEP, LFAGPA, and tinued threat to Jewish people in various parts of nizes that Dr. Avula’s article was important to us all George Saiger, MD, CGP, FAGPA, through a large the world, and I know that Kavita does not. There in understanding “the subtleties of racial identity group lens. My goal is to have us think about how are legitimate concerns about threat and violence and identification.” His valuing in the midst of his we can begin a dialogue about our differences, while toward Jews, and of course, this is part of the wider critique is another opening to furthering dialogue. recognizing the experiences of the other. conversation. In today’s world, Jews are clearly vul- He also stated that he shared some of Dr. Avula’s As an international psychologist working with nerable to hate in speech and other lethal manifes- concerns about the occupation, which is common humanitarian aid efforts in Ramallah, West Bank, tations, many alarming examples of which continue ground. Dr. Avula witnessed the difficulties and traumas of as I write this letter. I call upon our large group to I want to conclude with questions to engage our Palestinian families. She included this encounter in continually combat such hate. large group positively, with the hope that intersect- her critically minded essay Different Shades of Self However, if we as a large group over-focus on ing issues of diversity, conflict, and disagreement in which she rendered a wide context to social trau- what was not said in one section of Kavita’s essay, can be brought into the face-to-face large group at ma. She also stated how some traumas are particu- then we are in danger of missing the essence of her AGPA, where they can be adequately contained and larly difficult to discuss in diverse company without contributions, which is how the Other is socially worked with. Can we in the group recognize parts of pushing buttons or meeting significant resistance. constructed in ways that are foreign to one’s own ourselves that are being influenced by large group The letters in response did not question cultural, racial, and ethnic identity, evoking mis- processes and that we project onto the other? Can Kavita’s overall thesis and premises. They respond- trust and potential oppression, hatred, and vio- we encourage, not suppress, honest utterances that ed passionately to her experience of Palestinian lence. In this one example of otherness, Kavita is are passionately held and yet also promote relational suffering (a small portion of her article) as if she attempting to make us aware of the suffering of debate? And finally, can we allow dissent and try to failed to understand the “context in which to under- Palestinians, a group that is minimally discussed understand the views/perceptions of others without stand these events.” We must keep this feedback in with dignity and largely dismissed in this country. misconstruing them when we are not in agreement mind whenever it is brought into the dialogue. She Kavita maintains that one guidepost to resolv- with what is being said? was also reminded that anti-Semitism can often be ing trauma is that we “avoid acting it out and turn- I believe we can do all this, and more, because found in the current criticisms of Israel, and “that ing victims into victimizers.” As a large group, how when reading the article and the letters in response, the reality with which we live is that anti-Semitism do we avoid nominating members to take positions I see the possibility for further dialogue, deeper is thriving in today’s world.” While I cannot find a that make dialogue seem difficult if not impossible? understanding, and areas for common ground and place in Kavita’s piece in which she suggests that How do we avoid re-enacting the conflict in which empathic understanding. I hope that we maintain anti-Semitism does not thrive today, I don’t believe each side approaches the other through (1) a lens that course toward dialogue in our large group com- her objective was to address the adjudication of the that is suspicious of objectives, and (2) a heart that munity that was begun here, when dialogue seems Palestinian-Israeli conflict in the slightest. is hopeless that the Other-can-care-about-the-Self? elusive in the world in which we live. I worry that readers of the responses to her I think it is important that we, as a group, maintain Siddharth Ashvin Shah, MD, MPH article could come away with the incorrect infer- the integrity of a speaker’s or author’s objective Arlington, Virginia

AGPA’s 2015 Annual Meeting continued from page 2 ences. Restaurant reservations in advance of arrival are recommended. 9. Nightlife in San Francisco is a constantly changing scene. The hottest largest Nordstrom in the U.S. clubs currently are in the South of Market and Mission districts, with live and 6. North Beach, the city’s Italian quarter, isn’t a beach but rather a neigh- recorded rock and Latin music. Jazz, blues, swing, and oldies music can be borhood of romantic European-style sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and shops cen- found all over town. tered near Washington Square along Columbus and Grant Avenues. The Church 10. A visit to San Francisco would not be complete without a cultural expe- of Saints Peter and Paul is a beloved landmark. Coit Tower atop Telegraph rience. The city is home to internationally recognized symphony, opera, and Hill offers a splendid vantage point of the bridges and the bay. Inside the ballet companies. Playwrights, such as Sam Shepherd and Tom Stoppard, intro- tower, floor-to-ceiling murals painted in the 1930s depict scenes of early San duce their works in San Francisco, and avant-garde theatre and dance compa- Francisco. nies dot the city. The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Asian Art 7. The entrance to Chinatown at Grant Avenue and Bush Street is called Museum, the de Young Museum, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, and other the “Dragon’s Gate.” This 24-block city within a city is best explored on foot. museums and galleries are devoted to classical and contemporary arts. San Exotic shops, renowned restaurants, food markets, temples and small museums Francisco is also home to the California Academy of Sciences—the only place comprise its boundaries. on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a 8. Dining in San Francisco is an attraction in itself. Choose your cuisine— four-story rainforest all under one roof. Chinese, Japanese, French, Italian, Spanish, Moroccan, Indian, Malaysian, So, whether for the sites, sounds, or sessions, make sure to register for Mexican, Greek, Russian, or fusion, a combination of any or all of these influ- AGPA’s Annual Meeting today! •

5 President continued from page 1 AGPA Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives 2014 valuable products and processes for our entire Education/Learning/Research Goal group psychotherapy community. The plan’s goals AGPA will be the recognized resource for training, learning and knowledge about group therapy; 2014: TRAIN and objectives are shared with the membership MORE GROUP THERAPISTS in graduate training programs and influence training standards for graduate education and professional licensing. here in the sidebar. Objective #1: To refocus trainings to current best practices in group for best outcomes; One of these goals, the one that I’ve particular- Objective #2: To address the gap that exists between training and practice; ly identified with over the years, is our education- Objective #3: To demonstrate the efficacy and effectiveness of group therapy; research-training effort. As I voiced in a recent talk Objective #4: To advocate training standards for group. at APA this summer (Greene, 2014), we need to redouble our efforts countering a prevailing senti- Community Outreach/Visibility Goal ment in the field, namely that any clinician can run AGPA will initiate a community outreach program that will provide professional assistance to diverse group a therapy group. I find it ironic that formal training populations and to the emerging public sector; 2014 FOCUS ON MARKETING, both internal and external, of in graduate and residency programs is declining as AGPA services, highlighting value message for group services in every communication. group work is increasing in clinics and agencies Objective #1: To develop referral sources for Certified Group Psychotherapists; Objective #2: To promote the training standards recommended for group psychotherapists; (cf. Khawaja, I.S., Pollock, K., & Westermeyer, J.J, Objective #3: To establish relationships with external mental health organizations. 2011; Fuhriman, A. & Burlingame, G.M., 2001.) Simply put, more groups are being run by those Membership/Certification Goal with less training and competence. I have called AGPA will be an open, accessible and relevant organization with high appeal for group practitioners; 2014 for more studies that address a range of questions FOCUS TO EXPAND MEMBERSHIP by concentrating on diversity and social justice issues within the organiza- about training: How do trainees and experienced tion, mentoring new members and forging connections with scholarship recipients. group leaders differ from each other? What kinds Objective #1: To help members gain confidence and develop skills as a group therapist to build their of training experiences facilitate what kinds of skill group practice; acquisition? How do we assess skill acquisition? Objective #2: To connect and maintain relationships with new members and early career professionals For real world accountability and accredita- attending the Annual Meeting; Objective #3: To provide a more integrated organizational environment to encourage individuals to pur- tion, we need to be able to demonstrate the unique sue the CGP credential as well as AGPA national and local memberships; group therapy skills that must be acquired and uti- Objective #4: To improve diversity and social justice equality initiatives. lized by group therapists to ensure their effectiveness in their practices; we really need to show that Organizational Sustainability Goal training makes a difference. Fortunately, the recent Increase individual funding by expanding our base and connecting with people who believe in group work. empirical literature shows efforts in that direction Objective #1: We will routinely demonstrate the impact of our work (research, scholarships, community (Kivlighan, D. & Kivlighan, D., 2009; Kivlighan, D. & outreach, certification, etc.) on the well-being of the patients served by our members, the Tibbits, B., 2012; Woo, S. & Hsu, Y.K., 2012). fidelity of our members’ work and the value of group in bettering society; But much more than research on training is Objective #2: We will communicate with donors in a way that helps them see and understand the impact of their contributions; needed. We need a multipronged approach that Objective #3: We will express appreciation and gratitude to donors in an ongoing, systematic way; entails advocacy and provision of state-of-the-art Objective #4: We will develop donor-centric ways to stay connected to donors; education to a variety of stakeholders—directors Objective #5: We will strengthen the confidence and capacity of the Group Foundation Board and Staff of graduate and residency training programs, direc- to facilitate these relationships. tors of mental health and rehabilitation clinics and agencies, mental health accreditation and policy- making boards, mental health professionals, and, of course, our own AGPA membership. References Kivlighan, D., & Kivlighan, D. (2009). Training related No less important are our other three intercon- Fuhriman, A., & Burlingame, G.M. (2001). Group psycho- changes in the ways that group trainees structure nected goals: 1) outreach/visibility, demonstrating therapy training and effectiveness. International their knowledge of group counseling leader the utility of group interventions to those commu- Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 51, 399-416. interventions. Group Dynamics, 13, 190-204. nities beset by human suffering; 2) membership/ Greene, L.R. (2014, August). My top 10 list of group psy- Kivlighan, D., & Tibbits, B. (2012). Silence is mean certification, providing a nurturing and facilitating chotherapy studies I’d like to see and a few that I hope and other misconceptions of group counseling home for a diverse community of group practitio- not to see. Invited paper, presented at the American trainees: Identifying errors of commission and ners; and 3)organizational sustainability, ensuring Psychological Association meetings, Washington, D.C. omission in trainees’ knowledge structures. that we remain a viable association of practical Khawaja, I., Pollock, K., & Westermeyer, J. (2011). The Group Dynamics, 16, 14-34. value and relevance for our membership. diminishing role of psychiatry in group psychotherapy: Woo, S., & Hsu, Y.K. (2012). Development of the Summer is indeed over; time to get back A commentary and recommendations for change. Group Leadership Competence Scale. Chinese to work. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 8, 20-23. Journal of Guidance and Counseling, 32, 1-31.•

Backstage Chats were not required for earning her pos- ing, “My fundamental temperament, wife who dearly loved her husband continued from page 4 itive regard. Additionally, she helped however, was that of an independent, Bernie and her family, apparent from me to set limits and boundaries with a maverick” (Cohn, 2007). Perhaps her words and actions. While the stage” to discuss the lights and the my own time rather than overextend- moderated by socialization and profession of psychology and the field shadows; my needs, fears, thoughts; ing myself within the context of pro- knowledge acquired from influences of group psychotherapy will miss her my ambivalence and confusion about fessional organizations. When I asked such as Yvonne Agazarian, EdD, greatly, I anticipate that her family will organizational life; and my relatively to leave the leadership role, Barbara DLFAGPA, and Edward Shapiro, MD, be grieving her even more deeply. • newfound desire for work-life bal- presented me with a lovely piece of Barbara’s fundamental temperament ance. jewelry to symbolize our time together was not in the foreground, at least, References During our time together, Barbara and her gratitude (on behalf of AGPA) not in the past several years when I Cohn, B.R. (2007). Contextualizing the self: often playfully referred to herself as for my contributions. If we could all knew her. Regardless of her natural Integrating a systems perspective into psy- my “Senior Consultant.” She wanted feel such unconditional support, just predispositions, she moved through choanalytic therapy. International Journal to ensure that I received proper once, we would all be so fortunate! and interacted within systems grace- Of Group Psychotherapy, 57(3), 387-395. credit for my work. She supported my In her writings, Barbara fully and authentically. I think she doi:10.1521/ijgp.2007.57.3.387 growth and participation in various described her professional movement gives all of us independently-minded Cohn, B.R. (2009). Review of The internal activities within AGPA, while also away from analytic training institutes scholars hope! triangle: New theories of female develop- helping me feel that my contributions and toward independent practice, not- I know Barbara was a devoted ment. Group, 33(4), 373-378.

6 Consultation,

Dear Consultant: In addition to being aware of parallel process, psy- year ago, I started a training group for therapists in my com- chodynamic literature strongly emphasizes conduct- A munity. The group began with eight members and is now ing training groups through the study of countertrans- down to five, and another member is talking about leaving the ference. Holding onto the overall view of how affect group. I find myself becoming bored and restless during the group, is transmitted by parallel process, there must be a as the members (all intelligent and perceptive people) engage in study of the feelings of the leader (both subjective long theoretical discussions and intellectual speculation about and objective countertransference) and encourage- their patients and their practices. While this was stimulating in the ment of group members to do the same in their work beginning, it seems to be stagnating the group. I don’t think this with patients. For example, your feelings of boredom training group is helping the members, and I am at a loss for how may actually be induced by the group. This can be to help. Can you advise? valuable information about what the group is expe- Signed, riencing and/or what may be going on in their prac- Bored tices. If boredom generally indicates stifling of affect, that could inform your interventions with the group. Dear Bored: A study of your own countertransference adds to the ongratulations on starting a training group and having such robust understanding of the emotional climate and happen- C interest from the outset. Finding eight therapists who are interested ings in parallel process. in learning from you is an impressive accomplishment. The first point I From this perspective, interventions would seem would like to address relates to terminology. While some people use the best directed towards engaging in an exploration of term “training group” interchangeably with consulting group, supervision what the group believes you are doing to cause mem- group, and reading group, I have a different idea of what a training group bers to leave. You might also wonder aloud as to what means. I wonder what your group members were expecting when they the group would be talking about if they were not signed up for your group. My understanding of a training group involves talking theoretically or intellectually. Is there some- a delicate balance between case consultation and forays into exploration thing fundamentally unsafe about the group, i.e., of therapists’ countertransference and emotional lives. Were there explicit is there a way for people to talk about their feelings agreements that group members would be using their own emotions, life towards you or others in the Please experiences, and histories as part of exploring their countertransferences? group? What would it be like if Is this something that continues to be invited for exploration? the group talked more openly Having said that, it makes a great deal of sense that a new group of about their feelings toward one therapists would be inclined, at least initially, to veer toward theoretical another and about their per- and intellectual discussions. New groups are of course regressive, and a sonal experience in the room new group consisting of your professional peers can feel especially intimi- with patients? It may even be dating and quite vulnerable. In addition, training groups are not therapy helpful to discuss the possibil- groups; the container is different, and the boundaries and group norms may ity of ending the group. be different. I wonder if your leadership might instill a patient cultivation Bringing the immediate of curiosity around what members might learn from their emotions dur- experience of the moment into ing the group in addition to their tendency to want to stay with theoretical the process creates a more and intellectual topics. How would it be for you to join the group’s need to lively and progressive environ- remain more cerebral and intellectual? Is this a resistance that can teach ment that can breathe new life you something about what the group needs? I would try to become very into a group. The references interested in my feelings of boredom and restlessness and let them teach below provide rich case studies me about the group’s resistances, as well as my own. and examples. Of course, there Paul LePhuoc, PhD, CGP is no substitute for having a Houston, Texas skilled supervisor or supervision group of your own. Dear Bored: Lisa Means, MA, LPC, CGP t sounds like a challenging group. While attrition should be expected, Austin, Texas I you raise an important and common issue about study groups, training groups, and consultation groups, whatever the title. My consultation comes Ettin, M.F. (1995). From one to from a modern analytic perspective, guided by both clinical experience and another: Group Consultation theoretical knowledge from the works of experts in the field of group psy- for Group Psychotherapy. chotherapy. From this perspective I will discuss a movement towards utiliz- Group, 19(1), pp. 3-17. ing the power of the group-as-a-whole through the illumination and study of Ormont, L.R. (1980). Training Group Therapists resistance, countertransference, and parallel process. through the study of Countertransferences. I begin with the importance of parallel process and using the informa- Group, 4(4), pp. 17-26. tion gained as a way to move the group towards emotional communication. The conduit for the transmission of affect is termed “parallel process,” an ingredient that is essential to a fully realized training group. Members of the training group experience reactions that mirror, parallel, or identify with Members are invited to contact Michael Hegener, MA, LCP, CGP, FAGPA, the Editor of preexisting dynamic processes. For the training group to offer more than the Consultation, Please column, about issues and/or questions that arise in your group psychotherapy practices. They will be presented anonymously, as in the question here, technical advice and the lessons of one’s own personal and clinical group and two members of AGPA will be asked to respond to your dilemma. In this way, we all histories, the group must somehow become privy to the emotional cur- benefit from members’ consultation from an objective point of view. SIG members are also rents and ready projections that move from one setting (and one person) to encouraged to send cases that pertain to your particular field of interest. Michael can be another. reached by fax at 512-524-1852 or e-mail at [email protected].

7 TheGroup Circle

American Group Psychotherapy Association, Inc.

25 East 21st Street, 6th floor

New York, NY 10010

See Group Assets insert

Affiliate Society Farooq Mohyuddin, MD, CGP, started this year’s series off with The Story of the Weeping Camel. Maryetta Andrews-Sachs, MA, LICSW, CGP, FAGPA, will be showing Soldier of Orange. Webmaster, Rob Williams, MSW, CGP, has News listed all films and times on MAGPS’s easy-to-use website.

The Austin Group Psychotherapy Society’s 2014 Fall Conference fea- The Northern California Group Psychotherapy Society’s Fall Event on tured Scott Conkright, PsyD, CGP, who spoke on Lacanian Desire in Group November 8 will feature Ronnie Levine, PhD, CGP, FAGPA, who will present a Psychotherapy. day-long workshop on Exploring Barriers to Intimacy in Group Psychotherapy.

The Colorado Group Psychotherapy Society’s Fall Conference—Leading The Southwestern Group Psychotherapy Society’s (SWGPS), Fall Groups with Presence & Vulnerability— will be held November 1–2 in Workshop will be held October 25–26, at the Dallast Marriott Las Colinas Boulder. Visit www.cogps.org. Hotel in Irving, Texas. Joseph Kobos PhD, ABPP, LFAGPA, will lead a workshop on Applying Practice Guidelines In Group Psychotherapy. Dr. Kobos will Harold Rice-Erso, PhD, CGP, will speak on The Stories that Enslave Us, The conduct brief didactic presentations including ethical considerations and Stories That Liberate Us, and How We Work with Both in Group, at the offer demonstration group experiences. This workshop will assist practitio- Illinois Group Psychotherapy Society’s (IGPS) Fall Conference, to be held ners in meeting requests for information by insurance companies and third- October 24–25. Dr. Rice-Erso began his training as a group therapist while party payers. Email [email protected]. completing his MSEd at the University of Southern California and continued with his PhD studies in individual, group, and organizational dynam- Steve Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP, FAGPA, will lead a full-day institute on Envy and ics at Northwestern University. His group training also included Tavistock Competition in the Group: From Destruction to Relatedness and Intimacy for the Conferences, group therapy training at Evanston Hospital, and years of Michigan Group Psychotherapy Association at its spring program in April. group therapy workshops through IGPS. His approach to group therapy Contact Brian Ashin, LMSW, CGP, [email protected] or 734-678-3281. combines systems perspectives and psychodynamic psychotherapy. In both his group and individual therapy, Rice-Erso draws on the understandings of The Tri-State Group Psychotherapy Society’s November 15 Fall meeting human beings and life that come from all the great wisdom traditions—psy- will feature Molyn Leszcz, MD, FRCPC, DFAGPA, speaking on Achieving and chology, religion, spirituality, and philosophy. Hylene Dublin, LCSW, ACSW, Sustaining Group Therapist Effectiveness. Combining didactic and experien- BCD, CGP, LFAGPA, presented Exploring Boundary & Other Ethical Issues in tial learning, this presentation will examine the factors that contribute to Psychotherapy Groups on September 19. Dublin, currently in private practice therapist effectiveness in group therapy, looking more deeply at the assump- in Evanston, Illinois, has contributed many years of teaching and training tion that although the psychotherapies are generally effective, not all thera- experiences to AGPA including serving as Co-Chair of the Institute for four pists are equally effective. The workshop will address what unfolds at the years. She is on the faculty of the School of Social Service Administration level of the therapeutic relationship in group therapy that can improve or of the University of Chicago Professional Development Program and has impede clinical effectiveness. Areas that will be addressed include under- published numerous book chapters and articles on issues in psychodynamic standing the central role of the alliance and group cohesion; empathy and group psychotherapy. IGPS celebrated its 50th anniversary in September attunement; therapeutic focus, activation of the here-and-now; the value with a luncheon and meet and greet with past presidents, members, and of interpersonal approaches as an integrative model; therapist use of self guests. This is the first year that Illinois psychologists have been required and judicious transparency; therapeutic metacommunication; use of coun- to obtain CEU credits to maintain their licenses, and IGPS is one of the first tertransference. Contact Kathy Reedy, LCSW, LMFT, CADC, BCD, CGP at accredited organizations able to provide those credits. [email protected].

The Mid-Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Society (MAGPS) is launching its third season of Cinema Series. Cinema Series Chair Lenore Pomerance MSW, CGP, revitalized the series to give MAGPS members and friends a Please note: Affiliate Societies may submit news and updates on their chance to connect between its Spring and Fall conferences and explore activities to Kathy Reedy, MSW, MFT, BCD, CADC, CGP, Editor of the together group themes through diversity, while receiving CEU credits. Affiliate Society News column, by e-mail to: [email protected]. Members gather at Lorraine Wodiska, PHD, CGP’s house in Arlington, Virginia, where, when possible, meals reflect the spirit or theme of the films. For example, prior to a showing of The Cats of Mirikitani, about an 80-year-old homeless Japanese-American artist, Pomerance provided a Visit AGPA’s website at www.agpa.org for updated Affiliate Society sushi-making clinic. Venus Masselam, PHD, CGP, presented The Band’s Visit meeting information. For space considerations, upcoming events about an Egyptian police band mistakenly arriving at an Israeli desert town. announced in previous issues are included in Group Connections. Masselam, of Syrian descent, made stuffed grape leaves for the occasion