63rd Annual Conference

Friday, February 24

Afternoon Workshops

2:45-6:00 P.M.

Workshop 66

 Keeping Passion Alive: The Power of Women’s Groups

Presented under the auspices of the AGPA Women in Group Psychotherapy SIG

Chairs:         

Anne Oakley, Ph.D., Coordinator, Brief Psychotherapy Centre for Women, Ontario, Canada

Judith Schoenholtz-Read, Ed.D., CGP, FAGPA, Faculty, Fielding Graduate University, Santa Barbara, California

Cultural images of women emphasize the need for flawless body image and perfection in the multiple roles they assume, often leaving women feeling depleted, inauthentic and inadequate. By focusing on attracting desire and satisfying others needs, women may struggle to claim their own passions and longings. Applying feminist and relational-cultural theories, this workshop will demonstrate how women's groups promote change.

Demonstration-experiential-didactic-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify cultural/controlling images that influence women’s perceptions of themselves

related to their needs and desires.

2. Provide an opportunity for women to explore both the barriers to and opportunities

for identifying their desires and passions in a “women’s space”.

3. Identify the group processes that foster/inhibit the exploration of women’s passion

and desire.

4. Identify group dynamics and leadership issues that characterize women’s groups.

Course References:

1. DeChant, B. (Ed.) Women and Group Psychotherapy: Theory, research and

practice. New York: Guilford Press.

2. Jordan, J. (1987) Clarity in Connection: Empathic knowing, desire and

sexuality. Work in progress. 29. Wellesley MA: Stone Center Working

Paper Series.

3. Miller, J. (2002). How Change Happens: Controlling images, mutuality and

power. Work in progress. 96. Wellesley MA: Stone Centre Working Paper

Series.

4. Young-Esendrath, P. (1999). Women and Desire: Beyond wanting to be

wanted. New York, NY: Guilford Press.