This spring workshop provides a therapeutic workshop and training space for mental health professionals to dialogue around the theme of what makes a relationship therapeutic. The effectiveness of this relationship is acknowledging our countertransference as well as owning the subjective nature of our interpretations of the other’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The workshop will guide participants through an experiential process that will allow them to identify and explore their awareness of their own openness and limitations around the development of the therapeutic relationship. In doing so, participants will gain a greater understanding of countertransference as well as personal and professional growth. The workshop will also include a demonstration of a variety of therapeutic approaches.
This workshop will provide participants with several experiences based upon their choices: 1) as an observer (or participant if you volunteer) of a morning fishbowl process group; and, 2) as a participant in an afternoon process group led by co-therapy teams.
You will observe how your group leader(s) establishes a secure space, and whether or not this aids in people’s desire to take risks within the group. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to discuss leaders’ interventions and missteps and how these may have affected you - did you feel understood, valued, provoked, unsettled, withdrawn and/or compelled to push yourself? We hope you will bring your adventurous self, along with your fears and desires to both participate fully and expand the horizons in your journey to becoming a more effective psychotherapist.
This DC AAP workshop will give you several experiences based upon your choices (first come first served):
- Three groups that will begin Friday evening from late afternoon or early evening (e.g., 5-8pm). These groups will be held at the leaders’ local offices, and will continue again Saturday afternoon, after the morning fishbowl;
- Fishbowl experience Saturday morning with our current past-president, Dr. Gordon Cohen. Volunteers are needed for this process – please note on below if you wish to volunteer;
- Afternoon process groups led by AAP-trained therapists (groups will either continue from Friday evening and/or begin Saturday afternoon).
- We will conclude with an hour community experience to wrap up the entire workshop experience.
Throughout the day there will be opportunities to discuss leaders’ interventions, possible missteps and how these may have affected you. For example, how did you feel about your relationship to the leaders and to others in the group? Did you challenge yourself to grow? Did you challenge others? Did you feel understood, valued, unsettled, withdrawn and/or compelled to push yourself?
We hope you will bring your best, adventurous and imperfect selves, along with your fears and desires. Plan to participate fully and expand the horizons in your journey to becoming a more effective psychotherapist.