64th Annual Conference

Thursday, March 8

Afternoon Open Sessions

2:45 P.M.-6:00 P.M.

Session 306

Resistance, Rebellion and Refusal in Group Psychotherapy

Chair:     

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

Panelists: 

Barbara Cohn, Ph.D., ABPP, FAGPA, Associate Professor of Medical Psychology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York

Darryl Feldman, Ph.D., CGP, Private Practice, Dix Hills, New York

Bernard Frankel, M.S.W., Ph.D., BCD, FAGPA, Senior Consultant, Derner Institute, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York

David Hescheles, Psy.D., CGP, FAGPA, Clinical Professor, Derner Postdoctoral Group Program, Garden City, New York

"Resistance" has functioned as umbrella term for moves and countermoves that group members utilize in challenging therapeutic work.  The assumptions, methods, and goals of therapeutic work may be challenged in a variety of ways: metapsychologically, philosophically, ethically, pragmatically, and politically.  Diverse forms of rebellion and refusal—basic and vital group processes—will be demonstrated and discussed, along with resistance.  

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Construct and extend their understanding of relational theory.

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

3. Evaluate a repertoire of therapeutic interventions in group situations

Course References

1. Billow, R. (2003). The Three R’s of Group: Resistance, rebellion and refusal. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 56, 259-289.

2.  Hescheles, D. and Price, J. (1999). A Guide to Starting Psychotherapy Groups. New York: Academic Press/Harcourt Brace.

3. Grotstein, J. (2003). Introduction.  In R. Billow, Relational Group Psychotherapy: From basic to passion. London & New York: Jessica Kingsley, 13-28.