63rd Annual Conference

Friday, February 24

Morning Open Sessions

10:00-11:00 A.M.

Session 218

“What the Heck Just Happened to Me?”  Helping New Trainees to Negotiate Flexible Boundaries in AGPA Institutes

Chair:

Elizabeth Shapiro, Ph.D., Psychologist,, Massachusetts General Hospital,  Harvard University School of Medicine, Boston, MA;

Presenters:    

David Dybdal, M.D., Staff Psychiatrist, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts

Karin Hodges, M.S., Doctoral Candidate, Antioch New England Graduate School, Keene, New Hampshire

Poorly defined boundaries within AGPA institutes can create confusion and discomfort for group therapists-in-training.  In this session, two group therapists share their experiences concerning boundaries in AGPA training institutes, and offer suggestions about how new attendees to the AGPA meeting can optimize their institute experiences. Discussion will be encouraged.

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Articulate the potential for discomfort around flexible boundaries in AGPA institutes.

2. Describe the importance of a clearly defined “frame” in any experiential group. 

3. Recognize differences and similarities between training institutes and therapy groups.

Course References:

1.  Gans, JS, Rutan, JS, Wilcox, N. (1995) T-Groups (training groups) in psychiatric residency programs: facts and possible implications.  International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 45(2):169-183.

2. Pepper, R. S. (2002). Emotional incest in group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 52(2), 285-294.

3. Pepper, R. S. (2004). Confidentiality and dual relationships in group psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 54 (1), 103-114.