67th Annual Conference

Friday, February 26

Afternoon Workshops

2:30-5:30 P.M.

Workshop 59

A Therapist Friendly Approach to Evidence Based Group Psychotherapy

Presented under the auspices of the AGPA Science to Services Task Force and in cooperation with the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists

Chairs:                

Molyn Leszcz, M.D., FRCPC, FAGPA, Professor of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Joseph Kobos, Ph.D., ABPP, CGP, FAGPA, Professor of Psychology, University of Texas, San Antonio, Texas

This workshop is designed to provide participants current information on the evidence for group psychotherapy and participate in a consultation group utilizing best practices based on the AGPA’s Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy www.agpa.org.  In the workshop, participants will introduce their work setting, practice style and discuss therapy challenges and dilemmas.  Participants will learn the best practices approach guiding contemporary group therapy and how to employ an evidence based approach to their work.

didactic, sharing of work experiences, experiential, demonstration

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Describe the basic elements of the best practices approach to implementing effective group therapy.

2. Identify personal, systemic, group process and group development issues which affect the implementation of group therapy.

3. Apply the best practice model in helping to address and resolve therapeutic challenges and impasses.

4. Evaluate ongoing consultation for one’s professional work in a combined workshop and web-based format.

Course References:

Bernard, H., Burlingame, G., Flores, P., Greene, L., Joyce, A., Kobos, J.C., Leszcz., M., Mac-Nair-Semands, R., Piper, W., Slocum McEneaney, A., (2008)   Practice Guidelines for Group Psychotherapy.  International Journal of Group Psychotherapy.  October, 2008, Vol. 58, No. 4.

Galinsky, J., Schopler, J., and Abell, M (1997).  Connecting Group Members through Telephone and Computer Groups.  Health & Social Work, 22 (3): 181-188.

Kobos, J. C., Leszcz, M., Evidence Based Group Psychotherapy; Using AGPA’s Practice Guidelines to Enhance Clinical Effectiveness.   Journal of Clinical Psychology:  In Session, Vol. 64(11), 1238-12600 (2008).

Yalom, D., Leszcz, M., (2005)  The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy. 5th Edition. Basic Books, New York.