The need to feel understood, to have a community supporting you in your endeavors, with colleagues sharing the same values that drive you, is a critical component of a successful career. Yet many of us develop areas of expertise that set us apart. If we are fortunate, we have other group psychologists in our place of work. But for many of us, we rely on professional organizations and annual conferences to link us together. We were reminded of the importance of these organizations and in-person connections—see the group psychotherapy column in Tev Zukor’s column in this edition of The Group Psychologist. If you haven’t read it yet, we encourage you to check it out.
I know I don’t speak for myself in saying that it’s the personal connections I have made in my services to various Boards and organizations, that motivates my ongoing participation. Of course, I believe in the value of the organization and want to work to support their mission. But if the interpersonal connections are not enriching, then my motivation would wane quickly. Finding our “tribe” can’t be underestimated.
With us entering the second year of national conferences being held virtually, several of my good friends (translation: colleagues from national conferences who have become close friends) and I were feeling the lack of these in-person meetings. We decided enough was enough and are scheduling our own “conference” (translation: getting together for a long weekend). I can’t say how much I’m looking forward to it.
So, in these tough times, we encourage you to find a way to lean into your groups, even if it means creating your own opportunity for the kinds of connection you need to sustain you. briefly teletherapy-teleconferencing has proven to be beneficial with its convenience and accessibility, many are looking forward to seeing their colleagues in person again after being fully vaccinated.