Beyond the Individual: Navigating the Depths of Group-as-a-Whole Dynamics

Dive deeper into the transformative power of group therapy with our specialized workshop, “Beyond the Individual: Navigating the Depths of Group-as-a-Whole Dynamics.” This advanced seminar, led by clinical psychologists Dr. Christopher Zurawic and Dr. Sierra van Wyk, offers a compelling exploration of the complex, emergent phenomena that define process group therapy at its most profound level – that of the group-as-a-whole.

Workshop Synopsis:

This workshop is designed to transcend individually-focused approaches to group therapy by concentrating on the group-as-a-whole concept—a perspective that views the group as an interactive system and entity unto itself with its unique personality, processes, and collective dynamics. Participants will be introduced to theoretical frameworks and participate in experiential sessions that illuminate the invisible forces that shape group-as-a-whole behavior and influence therapeutic outcomes.

Core Components:

Theoretical Insights: Delve into the perspectives on group dynamics, exploring concepts like basic assumption groups, the group matrix, and the role of the group conductor in navigating and interpreting the undercurrents of group life.

Experiential Exploration: Engage in dynamic group sessions that mirror the complexity of therapeutic groups. These sessions will focus on experiencing and analyzing the group-as-a-whole dynamics, with particular attention to phenomena such as projective identification, group resistance, and the emergence of shared group themes.

Advanced Facilitation Techniques: Learn sophisticated strategies for facilitating group processes that honor the integrity of the group-as-a-whole. Explore interventions that address collective defense mechanisms, enhance group cohesion, and facilitate transformative group experiences.

Reflective Integration: Participate in reflective discussions that integrate experiential learning with theoretical knowledge, enhancing your ability to perceive and influence the subtle, systemic dynamics at play within groups by working with the group itself.

Workshop Schedule:

9:00am – 10:30am: Experiential Group Session with Emphasis on Observing Group Dynamics

10:45am – 12:45pm: Introduction to Group-as-a-Whole Theory

12:45pm – 1:15pm: Catered Lunch and Informal Discussion

1:15pm – 2:45pm: Experiential Group Session Focused on Group-as-a-Whole Intervention Techniques

3:00pm – 5:00pm: Debriefing, Theoretical Integration, and Advanced Strategies

Target Audience:

This workshop is intended for experienced clinicians who are familiar with the basics of group therapy and wish to deepen their understanding and skill in working with complex group dynamics. It offers a unique opportunity to enrich your therapeutic practice by mastering the art of facilitating groups in a way that leverages the collective power for individual and group transformation.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Deepen Theoretical Understanding: Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of group-as-a-whole dynamics, including foundational theories, and learn how these dynamics influence individual behavior and group cohesion.

2. Enhanced Observational Skills: Develop advanced skills in observing and interpreting the unconscious processes and emergent phenomena within groups, enabling a more nuanced approach to facilitating group therapy.

3. Advanced Facilitation Techniques: Acquire sophisticated techniques for intervening in group processes that respect and utilize the group’s collective dynamics, with a focus on managing complex dynamics and within the group-as-a-whole.

4. Integration of Theory and Practice: Through experiential learning, participants will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical experience, enhancing their ability to apply group-as-a-whole concepts in therapeutic settings.

5. Reflective Practice and Self-awareness: Enhance self-awareness and reflective capacity regarding one’s role as a therapist within the group dynamic, including an understanding of how one’s presence, interventions, and interpretations affect the group process.

Disclaimer

This workshop is designed for clinical professionals who meet the requirements of at least a master’s degree in a mental health profession and who have clinical psychotherapy experience. However, we welcome psychiatric residents and graduate students in mental health degree programs as well as mental health workers who work in a range of human service settings.

This workshop is not designed or intended to provide a psychotherapy experience. It is important for registrants to create a safe learning experience for themselves and others by monitoring their level of affective vulnerability and self-disclosure. We encourage participants to focus on their “here-and-now” experience and to be intentional about learning about themselves both as members and leaders as well as enhancing their skills for group facilitation.

The workshop consists of two sections:

■ General Process Group Experience Sections: These small groups provide participants an environment in which to obtain, expand, and retain their skills in conducting group therapy. The group psychotherapy skills gained are important in conducting any group, regardless of its theoretical orientation, time parameter or patient population. Experiential sections are essential training and benefit the participants, both personally and professionally.

■ Specific Focus Process Group Experience Sections: These groups offer intensive learning about specific theories and approaches in group treatment. Registrants can pursue current interests in greater depth or learn ways of integrating new approaches and methods into their private practice, clinic,or agency work. Most of the SFPGE Sections have extensive experiential components.

Continuing Education for One-Day Institute Sections: 8 Hours