Or, What Has Group Therapy Ever Done For Us? In Monty Python’s Life of Bryan there is a scene where the rebel leader asks, “What have the Romans ever done for us?” The expected answer is, “Nothing!” inspiring and justifying the ensuing acts of violence. Instead, after several responses, the leader is forced to specify: All right, but … Continue reading Making the Intra-psychic Interpersonal
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A Story and an Invitation
May I tell you a story? I vividly remember my first group therapy training weekend three years ago at the Center for Group Studies in NYC. It was held at the Warwick, a hotel that comes across as glamorous, almost magical, with pictures of famous actors and actresses adorning the walls. There were twenty other … Continue reading A Story and an Invitation
Applying Betty Joseph’s Here and Now to Group
I submitted a proposal to present at the Eastern Group Psychotherapy Society's Annual Conference in November. The topic is on working in the Here and Now, specifically with an approach developed by Betty Joseph, a prominent Kleinian psychoanalyst. Joseph's significant contribution, as I presently understand it, was to pay close attention to how patients unconsciously … Continue reading Applying Betty Joseph’s Here and Now to Group
Vitality and Belonging
When I think of Vitality, I think of the body. I remember feeling somewhat trapped throughout school, sitting for classes, forced to pay attention to the teacher and except when they were particularly dynamic and entertaining, feeling like my life-force was slowly draining away. I suspect it's a similar feeling for people who are … Continue reading Vitality and Belonging
What is Somatic Imagination?
Somatic Imagination is inspired by Jung's Active Imagination, Peter Levine's Somatic Experiencing, Melanie Klein's writings about Phantasy, the contemplative practice of Authentic Movement, the Feldenkrais Method and Eugene Gendlin's Focusing. It is a technique I use personally and often with clients, especially with my those in my Anger Management Group. In essence, the practice involves … Continue reading What is Somatic Imagination?
Just tell her the TRUTH!
In Disney's Aladdin, there is a scene I'm sure many of us can relate to. Aladdin has just flown his magic carpet to the Palace and is dressed as Prince Ali. He is hoping to convince Princess Jasmine to give him another chance after she was turned off by his ostentatious first impression. She is all … Continue reading Just tell her the TRUTH!