Study Groups

Barbara Cristy, MSW, Chair

 

Anyone who is a member of the Washington School of Psychiatry may organize a study group, and may determine its members, schedule and focus. These groups can be ongoing, meeting with a closed or open enrollment, or they can be short-term, for example meeting for several sessions prior to the arrival of a distinguished speaker, and focusing on that person's contributions to the literature.

If appropriate steps for planning and documentation are taken, members may earn continuing education credit for their participation. There is no fee for participation in the study groups, but group members must be members of the Washington School of Psychiatry. Annual membership fee is $75 and includes other benefits. Please see the membership page (in the menu to the left).

 

For more information on forming a study group contact Barbara Cristy, at 301-565-0021 or Stewart Reuter, Executive Director, at the School, 202-237-2700. Current study group offerings follow.

 

 

Two Study Groups on Women's Contributions to Psychoanalysis

 

Study group members will draw on their clinical experiences and personal biographies, as well as readings. We will review the contributions of women (and men) pertaining to gender and society.

 

 

The Washington Group

 

Maurine Kelber Kelly, PhD and Tybe Diamond, MSW, Coordinators

 

This group gave a conference in the winter of 2002 to celebrates its ten years together. The group will continue the study of women and psychoanalysis. For further information contact Evelyn Thornton Beck at 202-965-4288 or Patricia Siraganian at 301-907-9065.

 

 

The Chevy Chase Group

 

Suzanne Fuchs, MSW, and Bonnie Oppenheimer, MSW, Coordinators

 

This group meets from 12:30 to 2:30 on the fourth Friday of each month at 5100 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, and welcomes new members. Please contact Bonnie Oppenheimer at 301-654-6067 or Suzanne Fuchs at 202-965-3351 for further information. If there is sufficient interest a third group will be formed.

 

Study Groups in Psychotherapy with Older Patients

 

 

 

Coordinated by the Center for the Study of Psychotherapies for the Aging

 

This ongoing group is designed for experienced clinicians. It meets once monthly in northwest DC and will begin its Eleventh cycle in Fall 2003. For the seventh year group members will be reading nonclinical writings by and about elders with special emphasis on literary works. The approach is trifocal: literary, gerontological, and, most important, clinical. New members will be considered on a space-available basis. For information call Carol Hausman, PhD, at 202-966-7851, or George Saiger, MD, at 301-770-5016.

 

 

The Novelist and the Psychotherapist

 

 

Joseph Slavin, PhD, Coordinator

 

The members of this study group believe that the novelist has much to teach: in his insight into character development, understanding of political/social issues of his part of the world, and, very importantly, in "what makes or contributes to change in behavior." The group currently has eight members. There are limited openings; for information contact Joseph Slavin, 301-652-1110.

Through a Psychoanalytic Lens: Film Viewing and Discussion Group

 

 

Co-Sponsored by the Washington Professionals for the Study of Psychoanalysis (WPSP)

 

This informal group is designed for therapists interested in viewing films together and discussing the experience of the film from both a personal and professional perspective. It meets on Sundays, Sept. 28, Nov. 2, 2003, Jan. 25, Mar. 7, May 2, 2004, from 4 - 7 pm, Chevy Chase, MD. The topic for Fall 2003 - Spring 2004 is Family. Group size is limited to 15; a small contribution helps share the cost of refreshments and renting the films. For information and schedule, call Sonya Adamo at 202-508-1736.

 

 

 
The Couch and the Tree: Freud, Jung, and Buddha
 

 

Anne Burrows, MSW, and Ryland Swain, MSW, Coordinators

 

This group will explore the religious dimensions of Classical Psychoanalysis, Jung's analytical Psychology and Buddhist thought with emphasis on their place in the practice of psychotherapy. This exploration will perhaps dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding these theories. The group meets from 12:30 to 2:30 on the first Friday of each month at 5100 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 300. For more information contact Anne Burrows at 202-244-8855 or Ryland Swain at 202-785-9411.

 
Group Psychotherapy Alumni Association Study Group
 

 

Nancy E. Swain, MSW, Coordinator

 

This study group welcomes those with an interest in groups. The group will consider both literature on group psychotherapy and clinical material. For further information please call Nancy Swain (703) 281-4928 ext. 425.

 

 

Study Group on Integrating Constitutional and Relational Frameworks

 

 

This ongoing group is designed for experienced clinicians interested in application of theoretical approaches that integrate constitutional and relational perspectives in the treatment of infants, children and adults. The group meets monthly on one Friday of the month from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the School. New members will be considered on a space-available basis. For information call Georgia DeGangi, PhD, at 301-962-0800 ext. 2, or Tybe Diamond, MSW, at 202-966-1381.

 

 

 

Analyze This: Money in the Consulting Room

 

 

This group is intended for experienced clinicians who would like to explore difficulties with money matters that arise during the course of treatment. Readings and clinical situations are used. Meetings are held by bi-weekly in Bethesda, MD. For more information call Janet F. Dante, MSW at 301-428-0808 or Charles W. Rahn, MSW at 301-493-6841.

Median Dialogue Group

 
 

 

The WSP Median Dialogue Group provides a forum for individuals to explore together issues that we face collectively as human beings. Based on the pioneering work of Dr. Patrick de Mare, our median-sized group (of 15-30 alumni and faculty) has as its goal koinonia (fellowship with humankind). Through dialogue we examine together our social and cultural assumptions as we experience our diversity and interconnectedness. Our group is leaderless. We have chosen to expand our borders and invite interested others in the Washington School Community. We meet one Friday of each month from 3-5 pm at the School. For further information please contact: Diane Koslow, PhD 301-770-2847, Rachel Lenn, PhD, CGP 301-765-7615 or Maryetta Andrews-Sachs, MSW, CGP 201-244-4087.

 

 

 

Study Group on Trauma Disorders
 

 

 

This group will explore therapeutic issues that arise in the treatment of those with trauma disorders. Discussion will integrate clinical, sociocultural, biological, and theoretical material. Meetings are 10am-12pm on the third Saturday of every month at the School. For further information contact Lisa Head, Registrar, at 202-237-2700.

Lacan Study Group
 

 

Norma Schwartz, MSW, Consultant

 

This ongoing group meets very other Friday from 7:45am to 9:10am at the School. It is open to clinicians interested in tracing the development of Lacan's thought from its Freudian roots. Reading materials includes Freud's papers on Technique and Lacan's Seminar I, whose aim was to introduce clinical conceptualizations in the analytical practice through the return to the question "how does analysis work?" The group has 10 members. Limited openings are available. If there is sufficient interest, another group may be formed. For information contact Lenore Shapiro at 202-537-6050.