67th Annual Conference

Saturday, February 27

Morning Workshops

9:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Workshop 82

Tango: Risk and Connection (A Metaphor for the Intersubjective Group Experience)

Chair:

Connie Vitale, M.A., FAGPA, Coordinator of Group Training Program, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois

Entering a therapy group, as leader or member, and stepping onto the tango floor are remarkably similar. Both call one to be fully present and to confront issues of image, confidence, sharing power and connection. In this workshop participants will explore the vulnerability and rewards of the collaborative process.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Define the qualities of clear leadership.

2. Transfer the learning as leader or follower as it applies to the role of group therapist.

3. Detect subtle indices of resistance.

4. Utilize own embodied experience to promote a more productive group environment.

Course References:

Mitchell, S. Relational Concepts in Psychoanalysis: An Integration, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.

Teicholz, J. G. (2000). The Analyst's Empathy, Subjectivity and Authenticity as the Common Denominator, Progress in Self Psychology vol. 16.

Ormont, L. R. (1992). The Group Therapy Experience, New York: St. Martin's Press.

Web article: Kaveler-adler, S. (2003) "Psychoanalysis by Day, Argentine Tango by Night" (www.exploredance.com)