63rd Annual Conference

Saturday, February 25

Morning Workshops

8:45 A.M.- !2:00 noon

Workshop 72

Bridging the Pain: Countertransferece in Involuntary Groups

Co-sponsored by the Addictions and Recovery SIG and

Colorado Group Psychotherapy Association

Chairs:         

Steven Henne, M.A., LPC, LAC, Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado

Jeffrey Price, M.A., LPC, LAC, CGP, Naropa University, Boulder,

Colorado

Involuntary Groups can be uncomfortable and painful to both the members and the leader.  This workshop looks at how countertransferential influences manifest and how the leader can learn to use this information to help resolve group resistances.  Participants will explore the feelings that arise as well as discuss how group leaders can develop increased awareness, curiosity and insight.

Demonstration-experiential-didactic-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Explain the relationship between the contract, resistance and countertransference.

2. Identify common countertransferential feelings that arise in involuntary groups.

3. Describe the role of awareness, curiosity and insight in working with countertransference, especially as relating to involuntary groups.

Course References:

1. Nitsun, M. (1996). The Anti-Group. New York: Routledge.

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

3. Rosenthal, L. (1987).  Resolving Resistance in Group Psychotherapy. New Jersey: Jason Aronson.