63rd Annual Conference

Friday, February 24

Morning Workshops

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

Workshop 40

Therapist Responses to Patient Challenges in Group Therapy

Chairs:    

William Piper, Ph.D., CGP, DFAGPA, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC

Rene Weideman, Ph.D., Director, Clinical Psychology Centre, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC

We will compare interpretive and supportive therapist responses to challenges in group therapy. Examples of challenges are: persistent lateness, failure to pay fees, scapegoating, and rule-breaking outside contact between group members. Lecture, discussion, handouts, and role-plays will bring contrasting approaches to life.

experiential-didactic-demonstration-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 challenges occur.

3. Revise responses if initial interventions are not useful.

Course References:

1. Motherwell, L. & Shay, J. (Eds.) (2005). Complex Dilemmas in Group Therapy: pathways to resolution. New York: Brunner-Routledge.

2. Piper, W., McCallum, M., Joyce, A., Rosie, J., and Ogrodniczuk, J. (2001). Patient Personality and Time-limited Group Psychotherapy for Complicated Grief. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 51(4), 525-552.

3. Yalom, I. & Leszcz, M. (2005). The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.