In this experiential workshop, participants will learn how to use interpersonal process interventions by being in an interpersonal process training group. This training will be kept small (5-7 members) to facilitate personalized learning. We will be working from Yalom’s interpersonal model of group therapy. In this model, the focus is on using the here-and-now (moment-to-moment awareness of interactions among the group members and the leaders) to facilitate group member learning and growth. In the training, participants will also be honing their self-attunement and immediacy skills--skills applicable to all effective clinical work (individual, family, or group). There is no expectation or necessity for participants to have had any previous group facilitation experience.

A brief didactic will ground the experience in theory. This will help clinicians fine-tune their conceptual map used to guide their interventions in a group and will bolster their understanding of why and how to use here-and-now interventions. Other modes of learning used in this training include experiential process group participation and multiple debriefings.

Crucial facilitator tasks will be demonstrated such as:

* Facilitating group cohesion
* Activating and processing here-and-now group interactions
* Helping group members reflect on and make meaning of their experience in the group
* Exploring differences and similarities
* Using sub-grouping
* Bridging
* Following affect
* Facilitator use of self and immediacy
* Individual vs group-as-a-whole interventions

Periodically, the instructors will move to the middle of the group (fishbowl technique) and explain their understanding of the preceding group dynamics, describing their rationale for interventions made, including any oversights or missteps. Participants will then be invited to reflect on their experience in the group and share feedback and reflections on the interventions made or missed by the instructors.

Note: Registration is open to licensed mental health clinicians, school counselors, and graduate level trainees. Also, please note that this training qualifies for 6 IDOPL CEs for counselors, MFTs, and social workers, but not NBCC CEs. Full refund available if cancelled by May 1, 2024. No refunds after this date. Registration is transferable.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe three key assumptions of Yalom’s interpersonal group therapy model.
2. Describe three interpersonal process interventions that activate here-and-now group interactions.
3. Understand the value of focusing on here-and-now interactions in groups as a catalyst for interpersonal growth.