63rd Annual Conference

Friday, February 24

Afternoon Workshops

2:45-6:00 P.M.

Workshop 58         

The “3 R’s” in Relational Group Psychotherapy: Resistance, Rebellion, and Refusal

Chair:         

Richard Billow, Ph.D., Director, Postdoctoral Program in Group Psychotherapy, Derner Institute, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York

This workshop demonstrates and discusses a relational model of group interaction and process.  The “3 R’s”—resistance, rebellion, and refusal—released from the exclusive domain of psychopathology includes the group therapist as well as other group members and situations of mutual discovery, legitimate difference and debate, independent thinking, and new modes of relating.

Experiential-demonstration-didactic-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Expand and extend their understanding of relational theory.

2. Identify as well as experience the various patterns of resistance, rebellion

and refusal.

3. Increase their repertoire of therapeutic interventions in group situations.

4. Increase their awareness of legitimate and appropriate moves and countermoves to the therapist’s interventions.

Course References:

1. Billow, R. (2003).  Relational Group Psychotherapy: From basic assumptions

to passion. London & New York: Jessica Kingsley Press.

2. Bion, W. (1961). Experiences in Groups. London: Tavistock.