This presentation illuminates the core features of human nature that makes psychodynamic group therapy a setting where client’s inter and outer world converge in the presence of others. In addition, it will highlight how the leader understands this convergence and provides the opportunity for characterological change. We will be exploring concepts such as resistance, transference and countertransference, projective identification and scapegoating. We will also explore contributions to group theory from multiple perspectives. This presentation is appropriate for anyone interested in group leadership, group dynamics and the individual’s contribution to the life of the group.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this workshop, the attendee will be able to:
1). Describe three key aspects of human nature that makes group therapy a living laboratory.
2). Explain the differences between acting in and acting out within the group.
3). Demonstrate ways of conducting a group that attend to the individual, relationships within the group and to the group as a whole.
About our Facilitator: Brian Ashin, LCSW, LMSW, CGP (Certified Group Psychotherapist), has been in private practice since 1990 working with individuals, couples and groups. He completed his Social Work Education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1979. He subsequently returned to Philadelphia and completed his training in Marriage and Family therapy at the Family Institute of Philadelphia. He developed his interest in group therapy while working on the adult inpatient unit at Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center in Camden, New Jersey. While employed at Cooper, he was tasked with leading the Resident’s group as well as the daily inpatient group. In 2006, he began his training in Modern Group Analysis at the Center for Group Studies in New York City. Brian has presented locally and nationally with a particular focus on the understanding of transference and countertransference and its application to group leadership. In 2010, under the Auspice of the Center for Group Studies Russian program he traveled to St. Petersburg to co-lead a group training for Russian mental health professionals on Dreams and Symbolic Communication. Brian returned to Michigan in 1990 and back to Philadelphia in 2022 where he has joined both PSCSW and Philadelphia Area Group Psychotherapy Society. Amongst his many hobbies, family and work, he enjoys talking about anything “group”.
This event is open to PSCSW members/non-members. Participants who attend this program must be present for its entirety to earn 2 continuing education credits.
Continuing Education Credits:
FOR PENNSYLVANIA SOCIAL WORKERS, MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS, AND PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS: This program is approved for 2 credits for professional workshops sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work, a state affiliate of the Clinical Social Work Association listed in Section 47.36 of Title 49, Chapter 47 of the PA Code, State Board of Social Work Examiners. This program is also approved for 2 credits for professional workshops for marriage & family therapists (Section 48.36) and professional counselors (Section 49.36).
FOR NEW JERSEY SOCIAL WORKERS: This program is approved for 2 clinical credits. Attendance at programs or courses given at state and national social work association conferences, where the criteria for membership is an academic degree in social work, are a valid source of continuing education clinical credit (N.J.A.C. 13:44G-6.4(c)4).