66th Annual Conference

Saturday, February 21

Morning Workshops

9:00 - 11:30 A.M.

Workshop 76

Tango: Risk and Connection (A Metaphor for the Intersubjective Group Experience)

Chairs:                

David Luna, J.D., M.B.A., Vice President for Multi-Cultural Affairs, St. Mary's Healthcare, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Connie Vitale, M.A., FAGPA, Adjunct Faculty, Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois

Entering a therapy group, as leader or member, and stepping onto the tango floor are remarkably similar. Both call one to be fully present and to confront issues of image, confidence, sharing power and connection. In this workshop participants will explore the vulnerability and rewards of the collaborative process.

sharing of work experiences-demonstration-experiential-didactic

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Define the qualities of clear leadership

2. Transfer the learning as leader or follower as it applies to the role of group. therapist.

3. Detect subtle indices of resistance.

4. Utilize own embodied experience to promote a more productive group environment.

Course References:

1. Mitchell, Stephen, Relational Concepts in Psychoanalysis: An Integration, Harvard University Press, Cambridge, MA.

2. Teicholz, Judith Guss,(2000) The Analyst's Empathy, Subjectivity and Authenticity as the Common Denominator, Progress in Self Psychology vol 16.

3. Ormont,Louis R.,(1992) The Group Therapy Experience, New York: St. Martin's Press.

4. Web article: Kaveler-adler, Susan, (2003) "Psychoanalysis by Day, Argentine Tango by Night" (www.exploredance.com).