64th Annual Conference

 

Friday, March 9

Afternoon Open Sessions

2:45-6:00 P.M.

 

Session 311

The Role of the Therapist's Theory on the Development of the Group Culture

 

Chair:         

Stewart Aledort, M.D., CGP, Clinical Faculty, Washington Psychoanalytic Society, Washington, DC       

 

Panelists:

Sara Emerson, LICSW, M.S.W., CGP, FAGPA, Private Practice, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Philip Flores, Ph.D., ABPP, CGP, FAGPA, Private Practice, Atlanta, Georgia

Elliot Zeisel, LCSW, Ph.D., CGP, FAGPA, Faculty, Training Analyst, Center for Modern Analytic Studies, New York, New York

 

A panel of leading group analysts present four different theories: Relational, Modern Analytic, Omnipotent Child, and Attachment. They will explore the complexities of intersubjective experiences and attachments in the achievement and shaping of a group culture. They will further examine the role of the therapist, the impact of passion and power, the levels of intimacy and the failures within each theory. Dr. Zeisel will lead a demonstration group selected from the audience. Our session will conclude with audience and panelist discussion.

 

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify the differences and similarities in the four theories.

2. Discuss the impact of the therapist's theory on the group culture.

3. Identify the impact of each theory on the behavior of the therapist.

 

Course References:

1. Aledort, S. (2002). The Omnipotent Child Syndrome: The role of passionately held bad fits in the formation of identity. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 52, 67-89.

2. Ormont, L. (1991) Use of Group in Resolving the Subjective Countertransference. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy. 41, 433-448.

3. Flores, P. (2004). Addiction as an Attachment Disorder. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson Press.