The foundation of a successful group depends not only on the diagnostic and interpersonal acumen of the group leader, but also the ability of the group therapist to build therapeutic connections between members. This workshop will utilize a didactic and experiential format to discuss and demonstrate Modern Analytic Group techniques that assist group therapists in establishing, and then creating a dynamic group that is an agent for therapeutic change. Workshop participants will have the opportunity to explore and discuss key topics such as the use of the treatment contract for structuring a boundaries, safe, group; recognizing and addressing group resistances that can threaten the group process; tools for creating connection between members; and methods for fostering immediacy in the here and now. Case examples and group supervision will be provided to augment the didactic and process experiences provided.

The essence of the modern group process can be attributed to a systematic method of enhancing identifications between and among the group members. In addition to being alert to the multiple transferences and resistances being played out in the group setting, we utilize the theoretical construct of bridging to bring the members together for therapeutic advantage. This workshop will address the basic concepts differentiating modern group process from traditional group process and explore the techniques and interventions that are unique to the application of modern group process.

Countertransference is an essential source of information which enables therapists to understand their clients and formulate curative interventions. Utilizing didactic and experiential formats, this weekend training will discuss and demonstrate the unique ways in which countertransference feelings manifest and are used therapeutically in the group setting. Topics will include: recognizing induced feelings, defining and working with subjective and objective countertransference, tolerating and working with negative countertransference, and techniques for formulating maturational interventions. Case examples and clinical supervision will be used to demonstrate key technical and theoretical themes.

Unconscious material prevents group members from functioning with one another in a mature way. It can be both a resistance and a rich source of information. This workshop will address how the group leader helps the group members reveal the significant information hidden behind a dream or other form of non- verbal communication. This workshop will review analytic theory of dream interpretation and its application to group: symbolic and non-verbal communication and will demonstrate interventions that are unique to modern group that bring these processes into the here and now in the group interactions.