Focus on training and supervision of group psychotherapy

Hello. My focus this year is on training and supervision of group psychotherapy, both topics that need much more attention. This year, Division 49 will offer many opportunities that focus on training group leaders, research on evidence based practice, and specific methods related to leading groups. If you are able to go to the APA Conference in Hawaii, you will notice in this newsletter that the conference programming includes several presentations that focus on training and skill development such as sessions on using self-disclosure in group psychotherapy to enhance cohesion and responding to the client and the group process. There are other research focused presentations such as practice-based evidence that responds to client and group process feedback, and increasing group variables in research on group psychotherapy. We realize that many of you are unable to go to Hawaii for the convention and therefore, this year the convention is coming to you!! Thanks to the great work of Board Members Leann Diederich (Co-Chair of Membership) and Lee Gillis (President-Elect), they have arranged for you to join them and others interested in groups for Hot Topics in Group Research Thursday, August 1st, 2013, 1:00-2:00 pm (HST) and Best Practices for Teaching Group Theory and Practice Thursday, August 1st, 2013, 2:30 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. (HST) using Google Hangout.

More information how about to connect can be found in the president-elect column in this newsletter. I also personally want to thank Tom Treadwell our newsletter editor for his excellent work in providing information to you. This newsletter is packed with information on the current and future directions in the research, practice, and teaching of groups. As always, please let us hear your comments and consider volunteering in the division. Have a great summer.