*IMPORTANT NOTICE*
We are excited to share that in order to serve you better, AGPA completed an upgrade to a new association management system and member database in September 2023. For security purposes, your login credentials from the prior database did not carry over to the new database. Everyone – members and non-members — must create a new password and set up an account to renew or join membership, register for events, certify and recertify, or donate to the Group Foundation.
Your previous password nor the “forgot password” functionality will work until you’ve authenticated your account in the new system. Visit our login instructions page to learn how to complete the authentication process and access the new AGPA Portal today!
National Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month. While suicide prevention is essential to address year-round, Suicide Prevention Awareness Month provides a dedicated time to come together with collective passion and strength to handle the complex topic. The truth is, we can all benefit from honest conversations about mental health conditions and suicide because just one conversation can change a life. Suicide is a LEADING cause of death in the United States. We can all take action to prevent suicide and provide support as well as raise awareness and stop the stigma. Everyone can help save lives by sharing information and resources:
Mental Health America
National Alliance on Mental Illness
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
#BeThe1To
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Community Outreach Co-Chair Dr. Suzanne Phillips' radio show features Dr. William and Bev Feigelman, mental health professionals who in the aftermath of losing their son to suicide co-authored Devastating Losses: How Parents Cope with the Death of a Child to Suicide or Drugs and became spokesmen and clinicians to prevent suicide and respond to family survivors. Listen here.
Many group clients experience varying degrees of suicidality on an ongoing basis. Group therapists have clinical, ethical and legal responsibilities to monitor suicide risk in their clients. This webinar provided the group therapist with knowledge, tools and interventions that permit them to manage these risks in the context of their groups. Watch the webinar recording "Managing Suicidal Patients in Group Therapy" with Tony Sheppard, PsyD, CGP, AGPA-F. Order now with 1.5 CE credits or order without CE here.
Upcoming E-Learning Opportunities
Follow Me and Connect - In the Group Though, Please: Ethical, Dynamic, and Relational Considerations of Social Media in Group Psychotherapy Friday, September 29; 1:00 - 2:30 PM (Eastern) with David Songco, PsyD, LP, CGP, AGPA-F. During this presentation, participants will engage in a didactic presentation regarding various social media platforms, how they work, and the potential benefits of integrating social media into clinical practice. Through group discussion, various ethical, dynamic, and relational considerations will be presented regarding the impact of social media on group psychotherapy. This event is complimentary for members; 1.5 CE Credits available at $30 for members / $60 for nonmembers (Login required for member pricing.)Access without CE Credits Access with CE Credits
The Psychology of the Skin: Integrating Mind, Body, Skin, and Psyche in the Therapy Room Sunday, October 15; 6:00 - 7:30 PM (Eastern) with Stacy Nakell, LCSW, CGP. Research into neuroscience has clarified the importance of including somatic awareness in the therapy room. Less well integrated is awareness of the skin and its connection to the psyche. In this presentation, participants will move from a personal exploration of their relationship to their skin to a reflection on its role in the development of emotional regulation. Participants will unpack the impact of socio-cultural factors on feelings toward one's skin and hair. We will explore the benefits of group therapy in addressing skin-based concerns.This event is complimentary for members; 1.5 CE Credits available at $30 for members / $60 for nonmembers (Login required for member pricing.)Access without CE Credits Access with CE Credits
An Interpersonal/Relational Group Approach to Understanding and Treating Complex Trauma and Dissociation with Leo Leiderman, PsyD, ABPP, FAACP, CGP, AGPA-F - Saturdays, October 21 and 28 from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm and 3:00 – 6:00 pm each day. This institute enhances more understanding of the long-term impact of complex trauma and dissociation. A contemporary interpersonal relational model can address dissociation and trauma- driven enactments occurring in group therapy sessions. Utilizing an “experience-near” psychodynamic approach can foster safety and connectedness, restore hope, and encourage potential growth. Register for October Online Institute.
Promote mental health awareness and wellness for all. We invite you to visit our website www.agpa.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram for resources and content. If you post on social media for Mental Health Awareness Month, please tag us @agpa01 to show your support and to potentially be reposted on AGPA's channels.
The U.S. is facing a mental health crisis. There are not enough providers for the increasing demand for mental health treatment.
New research in an article published in the
American Psychologist "Mental Health Care Equity and Access: A Group Therapy Solution" written by AGPA members Drs. Martyn Whittingham and Cheri L. Marmarosh, along with healthcare finance experts Peter Mallow and Michael Scherer makes the case for group therapy as a treatment option that can simultaneously increase access to care for millions of people while reducing national mental healthcare expenses. In addition, the April/May issue of Monitor on Psychology highlights general benefits of group therapy, strategies for building cohesion and managing conflict in groups, and considerations for conducting group therapy virtually in the article "Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy, and more efficient. Here's how to do it successfully."
Download and share our infographic on how group can provide a solution to the US Mental Health Crisis.