65th Annual Conference

Friday, February 22

Afternoon Workshops

2:45-6:00 P.M.

Workshop 59

The Power of Passion: From Fear of Longing to Longing as Bliss

Chair:         

Diane Montgomery-Logan, MA, CGP, Private Practice, Winooski, Vermont

Fear of longing can create hidden undercurrents in the culture of the group, yet when clients embrace their desire, they often experience profound shifts in their lives. Through exercises, a demonstration group and discussion, this workshop will explore the taboo, shame and potential liberation associated with addressing longing directly.
experiential-demonstration-sharing of work experiences
 

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:
1. Utilize support for client longing as a conscious component of the culture of the group.
2. Recognize when client rejection of longing is an expression of hopelessness.
3. Utilize group identification with, and support for, individual members' longing to enhance cohesion in therapy groups.
 

Course References:

1. Gans, J. S. (2005). A plea for greater recognition and appreciation of our group members' courage. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 55, 575-593.
2. Livingston, M. (2001). Vulnerable moments: Deepening the therapeutic process. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson.
3. Shapiro, E. (1998). Intersubjectivity in archaic and mature twinship in group therapy. In I. N. H. Harwood & M. Pines (Eds.), Self experiences in group: Intersubjective and self psychological pathways to human understanding (pp. 47-57). London: Jessica Kingsley.