Article archive / February 1, 2013
Originally published: . Volume 4, No. 6. Source pages: 14.
“Overcoming Obstacles: The Power of Group” is the theme for the February 25-March 2, 2013 meeting of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, to be held in New Orleans at the New Orleans Marriott.
“This is a huge conference,” Dr. Chris Garner told the Times, “One of our members is trying to secure a grant from BCBS to fund some students to go to the conference. Additionally, several local people will be presenting on a few topics.”
The events include Special Institute Presentation on Monday, February 25, the Two-Day Institute, on February 26 and 27, and the Three-Day Conference, on February 28, March 1, and March 2.
Some of those presenting at the conference are Drs. Sue Jensen and Darlyne Nemeth. A selection of those from the Louisiana mental heath and consulting community includes the following from the Association’s conference materials.
Dr. Sue Jensen (L) and Dr. Darlyne Nemeth (R) with Taighlor Whittington in back, at a past conference. Dr. Jensen and Dr. Nemeth will be presenting at the American Group Psychotherapy National meeting this month in New Orleans.
Workshop 40: Finding Your Style as Group Psychotherapist.
Chairs: Douglas W. Greve, MD, CGP, LFAGPA, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana; Susanne M. Jensen, PhD, CGP, FAGPA, Private Practice, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The workshop will focus on the definition and clarification of style in the development of the group psychotherapist. Attention will be given to the relationship between gender and style. Further, if and how does the co-therapists relationship affect style. Changes of style as influenced by personal development and professional experiences and in theoretical orientation will be discussed. It is a demonstration-experiential-sharing of work experiences- didactic style.
Learning Objectives: 1. Evaluate their own style as group therapist. 2. Distinguish between style, technique and theoretical foundation. 3. Analyze the style of leaders in group development. 4. Discuss their own style as it is related to training, professional experience and Personality Adaptation.
Workshop 90: Using Group Process to Address Anniversary Reactions: The Katrina Story.
Chair: Darlyne G. Nemeth, PhD, MP, MPAP, CGP, Clinical, Medical and Neuropsychologist, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Anniversary reaction group workshops were developed to address the unresolved emotional issues from Hurricane Katrina and to promote healing by encouraging belonging, comfort, security, and resilience. Participants were empowered to understand and resolve their anniversary reactions. These methods, with cultural adaptations, were subsequently presented in China and Australia. The style is didactic-sharing of work experiences-experiential- demonstration.
Learning Objectives: 1. Measure the outcome.2. Explore the interface of biological, historical, and environmental influences on traumatized individuals.3. Explain how the balance of work, play, love, and spirit is interrupted by chaos.
Session 21: Group Therapy with Latency-Age Boys Combined with Family Therapy.
Presenter: Marvin Clifford, PhD, LCSW, MSW, CGP, Director of Group Therapy, Ochsner Health Systems, New Orleans, Louisiana
This open session will focus on a model of group therapy for boys ages 7 to 12. The model is effective for boys with varied problems in multiple settings. The problems boys have that this model has been helpful include ADHD, ODD, behavior, anger, school, family, peer, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, shyness, Aspergers, peer and social skills, and communication skills. The presentation will emphasize skills for therapists working with boys in groups, a team approach, the wrap-around concept, and family therapy as an integral and important therapy along with the boy in group therapy. Evidenced-based practices will be presented for helping this population.
Learning Objectives: 1. Discuss interventions for helping boys in group therapy.2. Apply skills in helping families while their boy is in group therapy. 3. Use evidenced-based practices in helping boys and their families.
Workshop 87: Healing Ourselves: Using Mind-Body Medicine Groups in Difficult and Challenging Circumstances
Chairs: Toni Bankston, LCSW, BACS, Executive Director, Mind-Body Center of Louisiana, Baton Rouge, Louisiana,Jose Calderon-Abbo, MD, Faculty, Mind-Body Center of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana,Therese Close, RN, Faculty, Mind- Body Center of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana, Mindy Milam, LCSW, Faculty, Mind- Body Center of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana, Marie O'Neil, LCSW, Faculty, Mind- Body Center of Louisiana, New Orleans, Louisiana
The founders and faculty of Mind-Body Center of Louisiana share the scientific foundation of the Mind-Body Medicine model as well as their experiences providing mind-body skills groups in many interesting and diverse settings, including: school-based, international communities affected by disaster and war, addictions treatment, summer camps, New Orleans and Gulf Coast communities impacted by the Oil Spill, FEMA villages after Katrina, medical schools and clinics, and inner city Baton Rouge and New Orleans neighborhood community settings. The MBCLA team will use a combination of didactic and experiential process to present the material and often invite the audience for personal sharing of their experiences. Style is demonstration-experiential-didactic-sharing of work experiences
Learning Objectives include: 1. Integrate mind- body skills into and enhance, their existing practice of group therapy.2. Incorporate mind- body skills as part of their daily self-care regimen and renew their desire to work in groups. 3. Adopt concrete strategies through this teaching in working in difficult settings and when faced with overwhelming obstacles and barriers. 4. Discover ways to relax into their work in groups and to convey an authentic presence with clients.
For all offerings go to http://www.agpa.org/
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.