Presented under the auspices of the AGPA Child & Adolescent SIG

Chairs:         

Scott Salathe, Psy.D., Psychologists, Seven Counties Services, Ink, Kentucky

Tony L. Sheppard, Psy.D., CGP, Private Practice, Louisville, Kentucky

Much of the literature on group work with children focuses solely on technique.  The bridge between these techniques and group theory and research is often missing. The theoretical framework presented will offer the child group therapist an integrated approach for using the many techniques found in the literature.  This framework is based upon child developmental theory, group therapy research, and the presenters' integrated approach to group work.

Didactic-sharing of work experiences-demonstration-experiential

The attendee will be able to:

1. Describe current theoretical and empirical foundations of group therapy with children.

2. Identify the interpersonal, developmental, and therapeutic factors that contribute to an effective model of change in children's groups.

3. Apply this integrated approach to their own work with children in groups.

1. Burlingame, G., Fuhriman, A. & Johnson, J. (2001). Cohesion in Group Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy: Theory/Research/Practice/Training, 38(4), 373-379.

2. Smead, R. (1995). Skills and Techniques for Group Work with Children and Adolescents. Champaign, IL: Research Press.

3. Yalom, I. (1995). The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (4th ed.) New York: Basic Books.