NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR FALL 2022!
The Institute comprises a two-year program of six intensive weekend group conferences, focusing on contemporary approaches to psychodynamic group psychotherapy and issues in group therapy. Each conference offers multiple opportunities within the faculty/member community for didactic and experiential learning, including lectures and panel discussions, demonstration groups, small group experiences and large group experiences. Attention to diversity issues and multiple minority identities are featured topics in some conferences, but attended to in every weekend, even when not the main focus.
Participation in the Institute is open to mental health practitioners and clinicians-in-training who are interested in learning about groups and about group therapy. Group therapy experience, either as a participant or a group leader, is not a pre-requisite.
There are two options for participation:
It is possible to register for multiple conferences and not attend the entire two-year institute.
All conferences take place at the Washington School of Psychiatry, 5028 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Ste. 400, Washington, DC 200016; Tel: 202. 237. 2700. The conferences are held on Friday and Saturday, unless stated otherwise on the brochure for each conference.
Please note that the schedule is subject to change. To confirm the schedule, please contact the program chairs.
Diversity in Groups: The Other in Me
October 7-8, 2022
Co-Chairs: Venus Masselam PhD, CGP, Reginald Nettles, PhD, CGP, Steven Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP, Ayana Watkins-Northern, PhD, CGP
Based on the pioneering concepts of Harry Stack Sullivan this conference will explore ways in which unconscious biases and prejudicial attitudes are commonplace in groups (therapy, classroom, organizational) where differences exist and how to assess them in the group process. The concept of intersectionality and its relationship to group dynamics will also be explored. Sullivan was ahead of his time in that he worked with prejudicial racial and othering, as well as multi layering intersectionality long before there was a model to think about these pervasive issues. Moreover, other diverse identities and their intersections will be identified including but not limited to religious, racial, cultural, ethnic, people with disabilities (PWD) and LGBTQ. The avoided interactions between members of groups, and how they often go unaddressed, resulting in harm to group members, will be examined. The process of “othering” and its relationship to the emergence of microaggressions in groups will also be explored, as will intervention methods for addressing microaggressions when they arise to minimize or mitigate harm. Experiential Small and Large Groups will be used to study dynamics as they develop in the group process.
Group Psychotherapy: An Ongoing and Developing Dance
January 27-28, 2023
Chair: Bradley Lake, LICSW, LCSW-C, CGP
Through the lens of dance and creativity we will look at the collaborative process, movement and interplay between group members and facilitator(s). Dyads/duets, triads, quartets and group as a whole will be attended to for their impact on the here and now, as well as the developmental arc of group psychotherapy. Free Association and Improvisation, along with other creative processes, will be seen and used as tools to enhance the dance, development and growth of a group. These journeys will help us to address differentiation and fusion – one fostering growth and the other impeding the growth of a psychotherapy group. Importantly, attention will be brought to othering, implicit bias and micro aggressions that happen between dancers/group members, inclusive of choreographer(s)/group facilitator(s), and the dance between these two entities. Bring your whole self to this weekend conference and let your creativity emerge as it enhances your role as group leader and group member. Experiential Small and Large Groups will be used to study dynamics as they develop in the group process.
Devaluation, Dehumanization, and the Erosion of Empathetic Connection in Hatred and Prejudice: Groups as Healers
April 28-29, 2023
Co-Chairs: Mary Tatum Chappell, PsyD, CGP, Steven Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP
(To be determined)
TBD: Languishing in a Pandemic: Groups as a Healing Agent
October 6-7, 2023
Co-Chairs:
(To be determined)
World Views in Conflict: Exploring Implicit Bias Through Large Group Experience
January 26-27, 2024
Co-Chairs: The Large Group Team
The large group provides a unique opportunity to examine the stereotyping thoughts and beliefs of implicit bias that exist uniquely within all of us. Using LG experience and reflective commentary, we will explore how life circumstance and a multiplicity of large group identities existing within individuals, subgroups, and the group-as-a-whole result in conflicting world views, generating tension and conflict as well as opportunities for collective learning and personal growth.
Of particular interest will be unconscious belief systems of social privilege that find expression through microaggressions, scapegoating, discrimination, and threats or acts of violence, directed towards minority groups and their members based on gender, race, culture, economic class, sexual and gender identity, age, and ability, etc. Our goal is to promote a spirit of inclusion and cultivate therapist empathy for diverse experience and competing perspectives. Experiential Small and Large Groups will be used to study dynamics as they develop in the group process.
How Do I Leave Thee: Endings and Existential Issues in Group
April 26-27, 2024
Co-Chairs: Maryetta Andrews-Sachs, LICSW, CGP, FAGPA & Farooq Mohyuddin, MD, CGP, FAGPA
Termination is a factor in every therapy group, and yet it is a critically important but frequently neglected part of treatment. We will examine the ramifications of this essential dynamic in group life, looking at its complexities and possibilities - for mourning and celebration, for integration. This is an area of work that must be looked at from different perspectives: the individual member, the therapist, and the group as a whole. Through didactic material, movie clips, case presentations, and discussions, we will explore the existential and treatment issues around this. Experiential Small and Large Groups will be used to study dynamics as they develop in the group process.
Coming Soon
NGPI will be 100% virtual and classes will be held synchronously via Zoom.
Students will need to ensure that their computer/laptop and web browser works with Zoom. Click here to learn more about Zoom compatibility requirements.
Students will be able to access course readings and syllabi via their program's Microsoft OneDrive. To successfully participate in courses, students need the following:
Students will not need to have a Microsoft or Zoom account to join class meetings or access course files. However, faculty may require a password to access meetings or files. Please consult with your faculty to obtain access.
For technical assistance, please contact your faculty or you may contact the WSP Administrative Office by email at washschool@wspdc.org or by phone at 202-237-2700.
A faculty advisor is available to assist any Institute member seeking additional training components to supplement their educational Institute experience, including:
An advanced Training Track is available to persons interested in getting the necessary training for eligibility to obtain the Certificate of Group Psychotherapy through the American Group Psychotherapy.
Individuals interested in the Advanced Training Track would need to complete the Basic Principles course listed above and obtain 75 hours of group psychotherapy consultative supervision in addition to attending the six (6) weekend conferences.
Pending approval, 72 CE credits will be available for the two-year certificate program.
NGPI consists three (3) conferences per academic year. 12 CEs are awarded for each conference. A certificate of attendance will be awarded for each conference individually.
To receive the credits, attendees must attend 100% of each conference. Partial credit is not possible. Students must provide "proof of presence" by ensuring that their camera is on during each conference.
Coming Soon
Chair
Steve Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP, FAGPA
Dean
Jonathan Stillerman, PhD, CGP
Faculty
Maryetta Andrews-Sachs, MA, CGP, FAGPA
Kavita Avula, PsyD, CGP
Mary Tatum Chappell, PsyD
Mary Dluhy, MSW, CGP, FAGPA
Molly Donovan, PhD, CGP, FAGPA
Karen Eberwein, PsyD, CGP
Stacey Jackson-Lampley, PhD
Bradley Lake, MSW, CGP
Victoria Lee, PhD, CGP
Beatrice Liebenberg, MSW, CGP, DFAGPA
Rachel Miller, PsyD, CGP
Farooq Mohyuddin, MD, CGP, FAGPA
Reginald Nettles, PhD, CGP
Leon Paparella, MSW, CGP
Bruce Pickle, PsyD
Robert Schulte, MSW, CGP
Rosemary Segalla, PhD, ABPP, CGP, FAGPA
Christopher Straley, MSW, CGP, CST
Ayana Watkins-Northern, PhD, CGP
Barry Wepman, PhD, CGP, LFAGPA
If you have any questions about the admissions process, please contact Dr. Elia Tamplin via email (etamplin@wspdc.org) or by phone 202-237-2700.
Steven Van Wagoner, PhD, CGP, FAGPA
Program Email
Admission to the Program is by application and interview.
Application Deadline
Fall Only - Extended to September 23
*After this date, admission will be considered on a space-available basis and is up to the faculty of each program.
Please note that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all materials are received by the deadline. Applicants are encouraged to confirm receipt of their materials by contacting the WSP Administrative Office by phone 202-237-2700 or via email (washschool@wspdc.org).
An incoming class is composed of a maximum of 35 students.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants should have interest, education, and/or training in psychodynamic psychotherapy and interest in learning about groups and about group therapy. The Program is open to psychiatrists, medical residents, psychologists, doctoral psychology students, social workers, social work students, nurses, counselors and other licensed mental health professionals.
Applicants will be contacted to arrange interviews by the program chair.
How to Apply
1. Apply for admission to the Washington School of Psychiatry with an online application.
2. Submit the following documents as separate pdf files in ONE email to application@wspdc.org.
*To learn more about requirements for the CV, Statement of Interest & Experience, and Professional Reference documents, including formatting, visit our admissions page.
Note: Applicants should include (YOUR LAST NAME)-(YOUR FIRST NAME)-(GROUP PROGRAM) in the subject line. Please attach all items as PDFS.
3. Pay 50$ non-refundable fee at https://wspdc.org/home under the Make a Payment section.
The program is committed to fostering diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for students from various mental health professions and other fields.
Application Fee
$50 (non-refundable)
Program Deposit
$300 (applied towards tuition)
Tuition
$1,000 per year (for 2-Year Certificate Program)
$350 per conference (single conference option)
*Tuition payment installments may be arranged through the administrative office.
Limited scholarship money may be available, based on need and merit. Click here to apply.
The Sy Rubenfeld Scholarship Fund provides financial support for tuition for clinicians-in-training and early career professionals based on available funds. Contact the program for more information.
Supervision Fees
For those who elect to participate in the Advance Training Component, supervision fees are $75 per session and are paid directly to the supervisor.
The Washington School of Psychiatry
5028 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20016-4118
Call us at 202-237-2700 or 202-537-6050
Celebrating its 85th year, the School is an accredited provider of post-graduate continuing education.
The Meyer Treatment Center provides low cost access to mental health services. It is an out-of-network facility for insurance purposes.
The Washington School of Psychiatry is an independent non-profit organization. It is not affiliated with the government of the District of Columbia or the government of the United States.
Copyright © 2020 The Washington School of Psychiatry - All Rights Reserved.
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