65th Annual Conference

Thursday, February 21

Morning Workshops

10:00 A.M.-1:15 P.M.

Master Workshop 8

Patient Challenges: Supportive or Interpretive Responses in Complicated Grief Groups

Open to participants with more than ten years of group psychotherapy experience.

Chairs:         

William E. Piper, Ph.D., CGP, DFAGPA, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Rene Weideman, Ph.D., Director, Clinical Psychology Centre, Burnaby, British Columbia
 

We will compare interpretive and supportive therapist responses to challenges in complicated grief groups, focusing on the first session. Examples of challenges are: lateness, scapegoating, suicidality, sharp questioning of group rules, and passivity. Lecture, discussion, handouts, and role-plays will bring contrasting approaches to life.

demonstration, experiential, didactic, sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Differentiate supportive and interpretive responses to patient challenges.
2. Select interventions according to treatment objectives, when callenges occur.
3. Appraise the role that complicated grief can play in affecting patient challenges.
 

Course References:

1. Gans, J.S. and Alonso, A. Difficult patients: their construction in group therapy (1998). International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 48(3), 311-326.
2. Motherwell, L. and Shay, J.S. (Eds.) (2005). Complex Dilemmas in Group Therapy: Pathways to Resolution. New York: Brunner-Routledge.
3. Piper, W.E., McCallum, M., Joyce, A.S., Rosie, J.S., and Ogrodniczuk, J.S. (2001). Patient personality and time-limited group psychotherapy for complicated grief. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 51(4), 525-552.