AGPA has established Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for mental health professionals who share a common interest in a specific area of group psychotherapy and/or group interventions. SIGs allow like-minded group psychotherapists to share ideas and strengthen their knowledge through interaction with their colleagues. SIGs vary in content, structure and activity level, but each is open to all AGPA members. Throughout the year SIG members have the opportunity to participate in a listserv and other educational activities. You can join a SIG in the membership portal by selecting My Membership Overview and selecting “Update Your SIG Selections.”
The SIG Task Force promotes the development of SIGs and provides a forum for supporting SIG activities. Â
For information contact the Chair:
Elizabeth Driscoll, MA, LPCÂ
[email protected]
Addiction and Recovery SIG
Provides a forum for those with an interest and expertise in utilizing group methods for the treatment, healing process and recovery of addictions.Â
Chair:
Sandy Demopoulous, LCSWR, CGP, CASAC, SAP
[email protected]
Children and Adolescents SIG
Provides a focal point for clinicians treating children and adolescents, furthers training standards, and compiles educational resources.
Co-Chairs:
Eleni Kanellopoulou, PhD
[email protected]
Zachary J. Thieneman, PsyD, CGP
[email protected]
Climate Polycrisis SIG
A climate-focused SIG that serves to raise awareness about the climate crisis within AGPA, provide a forum for
building supportive connections among members, and help us collaborate our efforts to care for ourselves and our clients, as well as to develop competence and facility with climate-aware interventions.
Co-ChairsÂ
Janet Castellini, MSS, LCSW, CGP, NCPsyA
[email protected]
Anna Graybeal, PhD, CGPÂ
[email protected]
College Counseling and Other Educational SIG
Focuses on applying group therapy theory to counseling settings; developing positive communication within the school community; building trust between academic and non-academic personnel, and developing and carrying out research projects using group dynamics and group therapy constructs.
Co-Chairs:
Kristina Hansen, PhD, CGP
[email protected]
Markie Silverman, PhD, LP
[email protected]
Creative Arts, Somatic Therapy & Psychodrama SIG
A creative arts, psychodrama and somatic therapy SIG that recognizes the powerful methods for creating healing, growth, and change.
Co-Chairs
Shelley Firestone, MD, AGPA-F, PAT
[email protected]
Dominick Grundy, PhD, CGP, AGPA-F
[email protected]
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Identities SIG
The SIGGLBTQ is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ therapists and anyone interested in better understanding the LGBTQ population. The SIG provides programming, networking, and social events.
Co-Chairs:
Samantha Ardoin, LPCC
[email protected]
Charles Zeng, MA, LMFT, LPCC, CGP
[email protected]
Groups in Private Practice SIG
Explores issues relevant to establishing and maintaining a private practice of group therapy.
Co-Chairs:
Jill Lewis, MSW, LCSW, CEDS, CGP
[email protected]
Francois Williams, MD
[email protected]
Lisa Wolcott, LCSW, CGP
[email protected]
Group Training and Supervision SIG
Supports the work of individuals involved in the training and supervision of group leaders. Our goal is to help with the dissemination of resources, including helping bridge the gap between science and practice, and to create a forum of support for individuals working to promote the practice of group psychotherapy within their respective settings.
Co-Chairs:
TBD
Health and Medical Issues SIG
Supports group therapists who address health concerns in medical and non-medical settings, provide psychological treatment to the medically ill, and incorporate wellness techniques into their group work such as meditation, mindfulness.Â
Co-Chairs: TBD
International Relations SIG
The mission of the International Relations SIG is to enhance the work of members in international settings, to serve as liaison to international organizations, and to encourage and enable members outside the USA to affiliate themselves with AGPA. Our goal is to increase the mental health resources available to professional groups throughout the world by participating in professional and scientific exchanges.
Co-Chairs:
Bojun Hu, PhD
[email protected]
Jane J. Kyei, PsyD
[email protected]
Victoria Te You Moore, LCPC, CGP, AGPA-F
[email protected]
Internet, Social Media and Technology SIG
For those who are interested in how the internet and technology are changing how we connect with each other and affecting the groups we lead and belong to.
Chair:
Lindsey T. Randol, PsychD, LPC
[email protected]
Issues of Aging SIG
For those who are interested in Geriatric patients as well as those who are interested in issues of Aging, whether it be their own aging or involving the clients with whom they work.
Chair:
Jeffrey M. Price, LPC, LAC, CGP, AGPA-F
[email protected]
Mental Health Agency and Institutional Settings SIG
Addresses the central role of Group Treatment in a variety of settings (i.e., inpatient, outpatient, rehabilitation programs, structured and other independent settings and systems) which serve a population of individuals with diverse mental health conditions and treatment needs over the course of their lifespan. It also addresses the need to promote and develop appropriate group modalities and training.
Co-Chairs:
Claudia Arlo, MSW, LCSW-R, ICADC, CGP, AGPA-F
[email protected]
Richard E, “Rick” Lautenbach, Ph.D., CGP
[email protected]
Organizational Consulting SIG
Provides a home for members who have an interest in incorporating organizational consultation work into their professional repertoires. In this SIG we explore together how group dynamic principles support and enhance our work outside of the therapeutic setting in the context of organizations, companies, governmental agencies, and more.
Co-Chairs:
Ozge Kantas, PhD
[email protected]
Emily Weber, LMFT
[email protected]
Joseph E. Wise, MD, CGP
[email protected]
Psychiatry SIG
Not limited to psychiatrists, this SIG is for those who work in psychiatry departments, have training in psychiatry, or are interested in the application of group psychotherapy in the discipline of psychiatry.
Co-Chairs:
Seamus Bhatt-Mackin, MD, CGP
[email protected]
Joseph E. Wise, MD, CGP
[email protected]
Amy J. Yang, MD
[email protected]
Racial and Ethnic Diversity SIG
The Racial and Ethnic Diversity (RED) SIG is charged with addressing the unique needs of historically racially and ethnically marginalized populations in the field of group psychotherapy. This includes engaging members from these groups and others to dialogue about issues related to group psychotherapy and advocating for and encouraging participation in diverse group psychotherapy programming that promotes social justice and equity.
Co-Chairs:
Shemika M. Brooks-Woods, PsyD, CGP, AGPA-F
[email protected]
Robin Dean, PsyD, MSEd
[email protected]
Joshua DeSilva, PsyD, CGP
[email protected]
Research SIG
For those interested in stimulating, conducting, or furthering their understanding of research in the field of group psychotherapy.
Chair:
Joseph R. Miles, PhD
[email protected]
Women in Group Psychotherapy SIG
To increase knowledge of the influence of gender on group life and to develop structures within the AGPA to support women who are interested in group therapy and research.
Co-Chairs:
Rachelle Rene, PhD, BCB, HSM, CGP, AGPA-F
[email protected]
Irina Rivera, PhD
[email protected]