Group Psychotherapy Training Program and

National Group Psychotherapy Institute

Origins of the Institute

The Washington School of Psychiatry's Group Psychotherapy Training Program has been in existence continuously since 1962.

We are beginning a new era for group psychotherapy. It is anticipated that health care reforms will lead to a dramatic increase in the use of group treatment and also an eventual certification requirement. The American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) wants to ensure that all therapists conducting groups are trained to maximize the powerful benefits of the group modality. AGPA is supporting established programs like the Group Psychotherapy Training Program of the Washington School of Psychiatry to develop curricula designed to train professionals from all over the United States. To further this goal, the Group Therapy Foundations provided a grant to the Washington School of Psychiatry to establish this exciting program.

In 1994 the National Group Psychotherapy Institute was added. Its goal was to provide more flexible options for professionals interested in the study of group psychotherapy. In the fall of 2007 we began the 7th Institute.

Program

Groups are fundamental to human existence. Groups influence how we see ourselves and how we live our lives; groups are intrinsic to our growth. The National Group Psychotherapy Institute's format and curriculum are based on the belief that a grasp of modern views of psychodynamic processes and group development are a prerequisite for sound mental health practice, group psychotherapy in particular, organizational management and consultation, and in general, for effective living.

The Washington School of Psychiatry has sponsored five prior National Group Psychotherapy Institutes. Our vision has been to provide a unique experiential and didactic forum from which to examine several of the major theoretical approaches to group psychotherapy. Our goal is to build a working community over a two year period to provide important learning about our relationships to groups, to each other and to clinical practice.

The institute cultivates an egalitarian and open milieu in which to examine theory and process. Members attest to the long-lasting impact of these powerful conference experiences. They report that they apply their learning not only to group psychotherapy, but to all practice modalities and to other work groups. With its experiential and didactic components, it is a learning opportunity for anyone interested in the study of therapeutic interpersonal experience.

GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY WEEKEND CONFERENCES

Six weekend conferences, Friday mornings to Saturday afternoons, over a two year period, examine group psychotherapy from five major theoretical positions. Each weekend features faculty or a guest presenter who has made outstanding contributions to the understanding of that particular theory.

The Seventh Institute, which began in Fall 2007, includes the following six weekend conferences:

Each weekend will consider how the therapeutic factors in the group process are viewed through the chosen theoretical approach. Learning occurs by observing and experiencing the formation of the group, sub-grouping and boundary issues, the role of the therapist, transference, countertransference, resistance and acting out.

Small and Large Group Tasks

The small group is composed of 7-10 conference participants. The primary task of the group is to provide opportunities to reflect on the didactic material presented in the conference and to integrate it with the study of the small group process as it happens. One or two faculty, acting as participant consultants, consult to each of these groups.

The large group is composed of all conference members. Its primary task is to develop a dialogue that illuminates group process as it happens and to identify covert barriers to communication. Its aim is to increase understanding of the impact of societal and subgroup dynamics, such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, class, professional discipline and status on the process of the small study groups and the conference as a whole. It provides an opportunity to give voice to the kind of contextual forces that most often exert strong but silent influence on our psychotherapy groups. Four faculty are designated as participant consultants to assist members in this study.

Observation Group Task

The observation group is a here and now experience. The participants are asked to observe and examine their own reactions, that is, their thoughts and feelings and their personal, interpersonal and group relations. In addition, participants are asked to take this opportunity to express these reactions openly and directly in the service of personal growth. The observation group is composed of 7-10 volunteers from the conference membership, with either the guest presenter or a faculty member acting as consultant/leader.

Participants

The Institute is intended to benefit mental health professionals at all skill levels, as well as others who work with groups. A Washington School of Psychiatry certificate of attendance will be granted to those who complete the two-year institute satisfactorily.

Certification - Advanced Track

A more comprehensive certification program in clinical group psychotherapy is also offered to those who hold an advanced degree in a mental health discipline. To be certified by the Group Psychotherapy Training Program the following is required:  

1. Interview with the Dean or representatives of the faculty.

2. Core Concepts in Group Psychotherapy - 12 hours course

3. The NGPI Institute (6 conferences)

4. Personal group psychotherapy with a faculty member: 75 hours

5. Weekly supervision seminar; two years, 75 hours. A faculty coordinator will provide the supervision and lead the seminar portion. The fee will be $50 per student, per 75 minutes, a total of 30 weeks per year. (Note: Students are responsible for establishing their own group from practice or agency setting.)

Registration and Tuition

Tuition for two year Institute: $1,950. Annual tuition $975. The program accepted students for the two-year program in September 2007. However, individuals may still register individual conferences. Each individual weekend conference is $355. If registration for single conferences is received at the School office less than five full business days prior to the beginning of the conference, registrant will incur a $25 late fee. Tuition for the advanced track is $175. Limited scholarship assistance may be available, based on financial need and merit
 

Continuing Education

Each conference provides 12 hours of continuing education credits. The Washington School of Psychiatry is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. The School maintains responsibility for the program. The Washington School of Psychiatry is approved by the Board of Social Work of the State of Maryland to provide continuing education for social workers.

Faculty

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY

The Group Psychotherapy Training Program offers a twelve-hour course, Core Concepts in Group Psychotherapy. It is an introductory course, offered to anyone interested in the study of groups. This course is required to complete the certification track of the Group Psychotherapy Training Program described above. For further information about the Course, click here to go to the Short Courses page.

January - March, 2006, Eight Mondays, 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM

MAGPS/GPAA CINEMA SERIES

The Mid-Atlantic Group Psychotherapy Society and the WSP Group Alumni Psychotherapy Alumni Association co-sponsor a cinema series, open to all. The Friday evening event includes a light supper, a movie, and a discussion with a moderator. The event is free and all are welcome.

Location

Washington School of Psychiatry's Conference Room
5028 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20016

Time

Light dinner:  5:45 - 6:30 PM

Movie:  6:30 - 9:30 PM

CEU’s:  3

Reservations Suggested - Call 202-237-2700.

Contributions to cover food & wine are welcome.

*IMPORTANT*

Due to security requirements: Arrive before 6:15. Movie seating is limited so reserve your space early.

You do not have to be a member of WSP/GPAA or MAGPS to attend. Please remain quiet in the hallways to respect therapy sessions in progress. Call the WSP office at 202-237-2700 for information.