Building Connections, Community, & Group Therapy into your Practice

Building Connections, Community, and Group Therapy into Your Practice

FULL COURSE SYLLABUS:

HOTEL DISCOUNTS

Crown Plaza Melbourne - Oceanfront & Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place

Ask for Florida Tech Rates

Friday, Oct 25, 2019 -

Pre-Conference Social Event:

7:00PM-10:00PM - Sand on the Beach Restaurant

1005 Atlantic Street

Melbourne Beach, FL 32951

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Saturday, Oct 26, 2019 - Conference Schedule:

8:00–8:30 Coffee, Registration & CEU sign-in

8:30-8:40 Welcoming Remarks

Debra Sloane, PsyD, BCBA, CGP (Florida Tech)

8:40-9:00 Introduction from FGPS President

Miguel Lewis, PsyD, CGP, ABPP (West Palm Beach VA)

9:00–10:30 Keynote - Fostering a Culture of Groups & Marketing Groups in Private Practice

Vinny Dehili, PhD (University of South Florida) &

Melissa Friedman, PhD, ABPP-CN (Mount Sinai Medical Center)

Description: This presentation seeks to provide ways for clinicians to foster a culture of group therapy within the therapist community, and as part of this, to foster a network of ongoing referrals to group therapy. A brief presentation will lead into a greater discussion with the audience on the following topics: Selling/Marketing Group Therapy to clients, advocating for Group Therapy among professionals, strategies for overcoming barriers to starting your own therapy group in practice, and methods to effectively advertise and promote your brand/specialty area within group therapy.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss three marketing tools that can assist with gaining further clientele
2. Practice at least three ways to market group therapy as an adjunct or primary treatment to clients
3. Identify at least three personal barriers to successful marketing of group therapy
4. Review data that indicates the effectiveness of group therapy as a primary treatment modality

10:30-10:45 Break

10:45-12:00 Selection and Screening of Group Patients

Josh Gross, PhD, CGP, ABPP, FAGPA (Florida State University)

Description: Presentation will include discussing various areas that should be considered when referring a client to group. In addition, the presenter will discuss the following topics: Anxiety surrounding referral the group process, creating positive group composition, preparing clients for entering into group, and demonstrate an interview of a prospective participant for group therapy.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Develop or follow a check list that will help them be sure they have addressed the many underlying structural preparations necessary for the initiation of a successful psychotherapy group.
2. Engage in several brief Q&A segments in the lecture period to promote a shift from lecture listening dyad with the speaker to the larger group plenary discussion with the goal of enhancing and enriching the learning environment.
3. Self-assess level of structure imposed and implied through the actions of selection and preparation for new members with both ongoing/existing as well as newly initiating groups.

12:00-1:30 Lunch (on your own)

1:30-2:30 Acceptance and Commitment Psychotherapy Group

Miguel Lewis, PsyD, CGP, ABPP (West Palm Beach VA)

Description: Presentation will include: 1) Describing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy including the 6 psychological processes and the goal of psychological flexibility. 2) Providing a demonstration group where some of the metaphors of ACT will be utilized.  

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the six core psychological processes that are targeted by ACT.
2. Provide examples of specific methods used to influence the six core psychological processes in psychotherapy.
3. Identify several available resources for pursuing further knowledge and training on ACT.
4. Learn the importance of attending to group process in a group that is part psycho-educational. 

2:30-4:00 Experiential Session, Modeling Group Dynamics/Live Process Group

Misha Bogomaz, PsyD, CGP, ABPP (University of North Florida)

Description: This experiential presentation will highlight group concepts as they arise when group goes through various stages of developments. Six to ten attendees will be asked to create a fish bowl, which will serve as a temporary learning place for the group members, facilitator, and the observers. Dr. Bogomaz will pause the group about three times to delve deeper into conscious and unconscious processes taking place in the life of the group.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key aspects of group structure
2. Increase awareness of the role and responsibilities of the facilitator role
3. Identify key concepts that arise during the demonstration

4:00-4:15 Break

4:15-5:00 Panel Discussion/Consultation with FGPS Board/Presenters

Description: This portion of the conference will be a panel discussion with current Florida Group Psychotherapy Society members for consultation purposes. Participants/attendees will have an opportunity to inquire about any content areas presented throughout the workshop or general group psychotherapy questions. This is a unique opportunity for mental health professionals to have a consultative hour with board certified group psychotherapists from around the state of Florida representing university counseling centers, private practice, and medical settings as well (VA hospital and Mt Sinai Medical Centers). 

Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize benefits to developing group psychotherapy into your practice setting
2. Discuss potential personal and professional barriers to group psychotherapy development
3. Gain a variety of professional perspectives on the mental health and financial successes of group psychotherapy