In this one-day workshop, the theory and practice of group therapy will be explored in detail. The term 'group therapy' can be applied to a variety of theoretically and practically different kinds of groups from the psychoanalytic to the CBT. The main emphasis of this day is the very practical aspects of group therapy from start to finish. Participants will have a brief introduction to Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy, Gestalt Group Therapy, and Yalom’s Existential Group Therapy. Then, from a practical aspect, the presenter will focus on: (a) group composition and size as well as preparing potential members for group membership; (b) what to cover in the initial session and issues of safety and group membership; (c) dealing with defences and resistances in group members; (d) managing conflict and difficult group members; (e) preparing for ending. Ari will then discuss with workshop participants, the healing nature of groups and the key roles of the Group Therapist.
HEALING: Group therapy allows for expression of long-held significant emotions (catharsis) in a safe-enough environment Participants will become familiar with other healing aspects that include experimentation, corrective emotional experiences, and the power of acceptance and belonging from both group members and the therapist.
KEY THERAPEUTIC ROLES: In a very simplified form, the role of the therapist can be reduced to the Three Points. They are permission, protection, and potency. The therapist gives permission/allows the expression of prohibited thoughts and feelings, protection to individuals and the group when useful, and uses the potency as a therapist to intervene effectively, drawing upon a variety of skills and techniques to enhance the therapeutic goals and outcomes.
Feedback form Ari’s recent presentations
“Excellent, relevant material delivered with expertise and humour. Very much enjoyed, thank you.”
“Loved it - dynamic, energised. Thank you!”
“Really enjoyed the practical aspects of this course. Information was clearly presented, easy to follow, and helpfully be applicable to clients. “Thank you for this opportunity. It was wonderful.”
“This was practical, useful and something you can immediately apply.”
“This was engaging and relevant”
“Practical, engaging, interacting. Highlight was the role plays - actually practicing as a therapist and taking the roles really gave me a better understanding.”
“Excellent PD, well presented with useful anecdotes and appropriate experiential learning.”
“The training gave me practical strategies to implement straight away with my clients. Also validated what I already do but with a fresh new perspective. Thank you!”
“Really enjoyed the training. Knowledge delivered with humour always a fresh combination.”
“Thank you Ari, this was a great workshop. Filled with practical knowledge. Ari is a terrific speaker. Loved every minute.”
“Well paced workshop. Practical and relevant. Ari very respectful of participants.”
“Engaging. Practical. Useful. Glad I came! Thank you Ari!”
“Very enjoyable. Learning, feeling more skilled and enthusiastic. Thank you!”
“Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Great to practice the skills. Fabulous venue. My clients will benefit from today’s learning.”
“Thankyou, I really enjoyed your case discussions and openness bringing us into your counselling session, and your humour”
“I found Ari very approachable for questions. I particularly enjoyed watching him play the counsellor role in the role plays and discuss the process.”