65th Annual Conference

Saturday, February 23

Morning Workshops

8:45 A.M.-12:00 noon

Workshop 83

The Presence of the Ineffable: An Inevitable Dimension of Group Psychotherapy

Chairs:

Hallie S. Lovett, Ph.D., CGP, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology, George Washington University, Washington, DC
Raymond E. Lovett, LICSW, CGP, Private Practice, Washington, DC
 

This workshop will explore the role of the spiritual/ineffable in group experience. Deeply felt and defended emotions often have a metaverbal dimension. A substantial portion of the workshop will include focused reflective experiences along with a didactic component and group process.
experiential-sharing of work experiences-demonstration-didactic
 

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Distinguish between empty silence and the full silence of the ineffable.
2. Increase the recognition, respect and value for the therapeutic nonverbal response.
3. Have a greater value and respect the strong emotions that can emerge from non verbal communication.
4. Increase countertransferential awareness of the intrapsychic factors which impede access to the spiritual/ineffable aspects of group process.
 

Course References:

1. Henig, R. Darwin's God. The New York Times Magazine, March 4, 2007.
2. Larkin, P (in all major English language poetry collections)

3. Schermer, V. (2003). Spirit and Psyche, London: Jessica Kingsley.