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Tough Customers: Is It Them or Us?
By Rich Simon As therapists, many of us practice in two different worlds. In the first, we see polite, well-behaved, articulate clients with solid values. They engage fully in therapy, talk cogently about their problems, listen attentively to our responses, make reasonably good-faith efforts to follow our suggestions, and sooner or later get better. No wonder we genuinely like these people! Does This Kid Need Medication? with Ron Taffel
Meds: Myths and Realities: NP0035 – Session 3
Do you feel like you could be a more effective therapist with your younger clients? Do you find it hard to determine when interventions--psychological and pharmacological--might be needed? Join Ron Taffel and learn to identify key diagnostic signs that indicate medications could be helpful when dealing with depression, anxiety, AD/HD, and affective disorders. After the session, please let us know what you think. If you ever have any technical questions or issues, please feel free to email support@psychotherapynetworker.org.In Consultation
Peer Supervision Groups that Work
By Eleanor Counselman
Three steps that make a difference
Q: I’d like to organize a peer supervision group, but I’ve heard their failure rate is high. What do you recommend? A: Peer supervision groups provide a welcome respite from the isolation of private practice and an informal, nonevaluative setting after years of formal supervision, particularly for young therapists. They offer valuable guidance on difficult cases and tough ethical dilemmas to therapists at any level of experience. And they’re free! However, as you note, many of them fail. In my experience, careful attention to the initial contract and the ongoing group process can make a huge difference in helping them sustain their membership and thrive. Though they’re often called peer supervision groups, it would be more accurate to call them peer consultation groups. Members don’t have direct supervisory responsibility for one another’s cases: they simply offer suggestions, which members can accept or reject. They typically have four to six members who have approximately the same level of professional experience or share a specific area of interest. Members meet on a regular, usually biweekly, basis. Group consultation, with or without a leader, offers advantages over individual consultation. It includes the possibility of multiple perspectives on the same problem and the reduction of clinicians’ shame about confusions and mistakes as they share similar stories about their struggles with difficult cases. Another benefit is peer interaction, which develops one’s professional sense of self. The hall-of-mirrors effect—seeing yourself as others see you—which is so potent in therapy groups, is a major component of the supervision group experience. Nevertheless, despite the many benefits, it’s challenging to start and maintain a consultation group, particularly if it’s a leaderless one. They can fail to thrive or suffer from “task drift,” moving them away from discussing clinical material and into a form of therapy. It can be difficult to integrate new members and maintain clarity about the group’s own process. Presenting cases in supervision in any format poses obvious risks to one’s self-esteem, and group dynamics add additional risks: issues of power, competition, exposure, and shame can lead members to drop out. It’s especially challenging to manage group dynamics in leaderless groups, as it’s usually the leader’s role to remain aware of what’s happening within the group, and without a leader in charge, shame or fear of being judged may silence members. The most successful leaderless groups seem to be those in which the group members find a balance between a focus on cognitive and emotional issues—talking about cases and about the feelings that arise when seeing clients—while consciously managing the functions that a designated leader would serve. These include protecting the group contract, setting and maintaining appropriate norms, and handling gatekeeping matters, such as bringing in new members. A crucial component of maintaining an atmosphere of group safety is regular, dependable member attendance. Without this, a group will never feel like a place to take risks. Members need to be willing to bring up concerns about irregular attendance because, just as in a therapy group, member lateness and absences can indicate issues that need exploring. Chronic irregular attendance can be demoralizing and cause a group to fail. When it comes to group safety and cohesion, Woody Allen was right: 90 percent of supervision group success is about showing up. A significant issue in any supervision group is shame and the reluctance to expose oneself. To make supervision groups feel safer, therapist David Altfeld developed a model of group consultation in which all group members simply share their emotional reactions and associations to a situation being discussed, instead of one person presenting a specific case issue and everyone else giving advice as resident “experts.” This procedure levels the playing field by not allowing members to compete for the best case analysis. It leaves room for highlighting emotional issues, countertransference reactions, and parallel process. Making everyone vulnerable in this manner avoids opportunities for excessive criticism (or its counterpart, excessive niceness) and encourages emotional sharing. Another group consultation model, developed by Irish therapist Bobby Moore, focuses only on minimal case information, such as a patient’s age, length of time in therapy, and perhaps a little demographic information. Then the presenter talks about his or her thoughts, fantasies, feelings, and associations about the patient and the therapy. Group members then share their associations. Following that, the initial presenter is invited to share any further associations. Only at this point does the presenter give the facts of the case and the clinical dilemma. Finally, the group thinks together about what’s been discussed and what it indicates about the case. For those interested in the power of the collective unconscious, this is a fascinating process to experience. To succeed, a consultation group must feel safe and useful to its members. Here are a few simple principles to follow: Clarify the group structure. The group needs to agree on the frequency and length of meetings, which is best accomplished with a predictable schedule. The group needs to agree on its task and focus: is this group for any clinical issue or just for couples, or trauma, or group therapy? How much time will the group spend on “schmoozing,” and will there be one or more than one case presented each time? What will be the presentation format? While most groups use verbal presentation, some groups are now using videoclips—which makes the discussion much livelier. Agree on membership issues. How many members will the group have, and how will new members be integrated? Once a group has formed, I believe that decisions about adding more members should be a group decision. While it may be tempting to accept a request from someone who wants to join the group, a total of six members seems to be the maximum number for each member to have enough opportunities for presentations. Attend to the group process and dynamics. While groups should build in a “schmooze” or “check-in” time, there needs to be an agreed-upon limit to the socializing, so that the group doesn’t become a therapy group or a coffee klatch. Without a leader, the members themselves must monitor the group’s procedures and raise any important issues. Some groups do this ad hoc; others schedule a regular review meeting to evaluate how things are going. Leaderless peer supervision groups can help clinicians at any stage further clinical learning and combat professional isolation. They’re likeliest to succeed when the group members have a clear working agreement, maintain regular attendance, and create an environment in which both emotional and cognitive learning occurs. Eleanor Counselman, Ed.D., is a past president of the Northeastern Society for Group Psychotherapy and an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She’s published numerous articles on psychotherapy and has a private practice in Belmont, Massachusetts.
| Guide To Graduate Schools |
A Guide to Graduate Programs in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy, Social Work or CounselingClick on web addresses below for further information on each graduate program.
Antioch University New England (AUNE)Clinical Mental Health Counseling Counseling is one of the fastest-growing professions in mental health. Become a clinical mental health counselor through Antioch University New England’s practice-oriented, CACREP-accredited, Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program, and help people lead healthy and productive lives. At AUNE, you’ll develop your professional identity and build competency. Classroom and field experiences equip you for many specialties in the counseling field, such as substance abuse and addictions, working with community agencies, in-patient treatment, and college counseling. Apply what you’re learning through supervised field work that includes a one-semester practicum and three semesters of internships. Call (800) 552-8380.
Union Institute & UniversityDoctor of Psychology The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree program with a concentration in clinical psychology follows the practitioner-scholar training model, with close attention to issues of social justice and diversity throughout the curriculum. The program utilizes a distributed learning model with classroom, online and blended courses, making it accessible to adults who need to balance career, family, and other responsibilities. Small cohorts of students attend courses every other weekend (the first year) and one weekend a month in years two through three. Students also attend week-long Academic Meetings in Brattleboro, VT in the fall and in Cincinnati, OH in the spring. www.myunion.edu/psyd
Adler School of Professional PsychologyPsychology The Adler School of Professional Psychology is committed to training socially responsible graduates, who embrace diverse perspectives, empower others to address shared problems and foster the development of social equality, justice, and respect in global communities. We offer campus and online graduate degree options in areas such as Counseling Psychology, Art Therapy, Industrial/ Organizational Psychology, and Criminology. Students can expect: • Mission-driven curriculum designed to train socially responsible practitioners • Stimulating and academically challenging programs of study • High caliber faculty • A unique blend of theory and practice • Real-world skills developed through practicum and volunteer experiences with more than 800 community partners.
Antioch University New England (AUNE)Marriage and Family Therapy, MA, PhD, and Certificate Antioch University New England’s COAMFTE-accredited Marriage and Family Therapy MA and PhD programs are training the next generation of marriage and family therapists (MFT) in social-justice approaches to MFT practice, teaching, research, and supervision. At AUNE you will focus on understanding the diversity of people and families. Both the MA and PhD focus on experiential learning, providing students with hands-on training backed by in-depth study of models and theories. Develop clinical (MA and PhD) and supervisory (PhD) skills at AUNE's training clinic. AUNE’s MFT master’s program has been COAMFTE-accredited since 1993. The PhD program has been accredited since 2011. Call (800)-552-8380 or visit website below.
Union Institute & UniversityMasters in Counseling Psychology is designed to offer traditional courses and supervised internship experience required by state and national credentialing bodies. Offered as a hybrid program with on-ground and online courses, students meet coursework requirements for national certification by the NBCC and may be eligible to sit for the National Counselor’s Exam while in their final term. Whether enrolling full-time or part-time, students must plan on attending three weekends per year at either Union's headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio or at the Vermont Academic Center in Brattleboro. Located on the border of Massachusetts and New Hampshire in southern Vermont, the Center is within easy driving distance of most areas of New England and New York.
Antioch University New England (AUNE)Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) Become a psychologist, change lives. Prepare for therapy, assessment, research, and more. Focus on service and social justice. Learn from nationally renowned faculty in small classes. Attend class one or two days a week. Antioch University New England's practitioner-scholar Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology (PsyD) prepares reflective clinicians who undertake multiple roles in their careers. Our graduates approach their practices with disciplined inquiry and view their work as a socially responsible action. Accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) for over 25 years*. (*For accreditation information contact: APA, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242, (202) 336-5979.) This PsyD program offers rigorous academic challenge and thorough clinical training. Call (800) 552-8380 or visit our website below.
Seattle UniversityPsychology The MA in Psychology at Seattle University is based on the existential-phenomenological-therapeutic approach. We offer a broad foundation in psychology, philosophy, and psychopathology. Through engagement with the humanities in relation to psychotherapy and counseling, students come to appreciate the significance of therapeutic attitude and presence. Most fundamentally, we place a strong emphasis on the relational and ethical dimensions of psychotherapy. Our 72-credit program can be completed in two years. During the second year, students are required to take 18 credits of practicum in a community agency. Deadline for applications is January 15.
Antioch University New England (AUNE)Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling Bring your passion for dance and a desire to use those skills in counseling to Antioch University New England's Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling (DMT) program. Learn to integrate the mind, body, and spirit through verbal and non-verbal treatment approaches to wellness. Put your new skills and knowledge to work, in supervised practica and internships in clinical settings. Choose from three graduate-study options—MA, MEd, or Post-Master's certificate. AUNE also offers a path to the Alternate Route Drama Therapy credential from the National Association of Drama Therapy. The DMT program is accredited by the American Dance Therapy Association. Call (800) 552-8380.
Wesley InstituteMasters in Counselling The School of Counselling at Wesley Institute offers postgraduate courses that equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to enable them to work empathetically, effectively and appropriately with clients experiencing mental health issues, trauma and significant and challenging life experiences. Our Master of Counselling provides advanced training in counselling theory and practice, with an introduction to a range of counselling specialisations. The course integrates mental health and wellness/strength-based models within a Christian worldview, encouraging and equipping counsellors to work with the whole person. A nested Graduate Diploma of Counselling equips individuals whose profession calls for some mental health and wellness/strengths-based counselling.
The George Washington UniversityCounseling Our mission is to develop advanced knowledge and skills in the counseling field. Students focus on leadership and administration, research and program evaluation, counselor education and supervision, ethical and professional practice, and multicultural awareness. Students are trained to provide leadership and expert counseling services that enhance human development and advance the profession. Our graduates are highly skilled researchers, educators, and practitioners. Our location, in the heart of Washington, DC, offers unparalleled opportunities for bright motivated students destined to be leaders in the field. The PhD in Counseling is fully accredited by CACREP.
California School of Professional PsychologyCouple and Family Therapy CSPP offers two graduate programs in Couple and Family Therapy—Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)—providing the essential training needed to pursue a career as a professional marriage and family therapist. Students have the opportunity to complete a portion of their training at our campus in Mexico City. Through coursework and field placements, students become skilled in theory, research and clinical practice, with the ability to integrate individual and systemic therapeutic models in an international, multicultural environment. The programs are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) of the AAMFT.
Benedictine UniversityClinical Psychology Counseling. Psychotherapy. Mental health services. Social services. For more than 30 years, the Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Psychology program at Benedictine University has been preparing students for careers in psychology. Students are introduced to a variety of theoretical orientations and acquire valuable field experience in mental health settings. The M.S. in Clinical Psychology curriculum includes all the courses required by Illinois for applicants to take the Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) examinations. The program also provides an excellent foundation for future doctoral study. www.ben.edu/pn
California School of Professional PsychologyCounseling CSPP offers two master’s programs leading to careers as Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) in California and most other states—Clinical Counseling (MA) at our San Francisco campus; and Counseling Psychology (MA) at our Mexico City campus, taught entirely in English. Both programs train students to provide competent professional therapeutic services using academic, experiential, research-based clinical practice approaches and direct community service learning in coursework and field placements. Students gain multicultural competence and a strong foundation in social justice advocacy to empower the clients and communities they will serve. The program in Mexico City also fulfills the requirements for MFT licensure in California and most other states.
California School of Professional PsychologyOrganizational Psychology CSPP offers graduate programs in Organizational Psychology to prepare students for careers that focus on improving organizational and workplace effectiveness by addressing the needs of both the individual and the organization. Students learn to blend training in psychology and social sciences with business and organizational needs. The faculty brings a breadth of consulting experience and applied projects to the classroom. The programs differ in emphasis, but they all provide a powerful foundation for a professional career in organizational psychology—Consulting Psychology (PhD); Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychology (MA and PhD); Organizational Behavior (MA); Organization Development (PsyD); and Organizational Psychology (MA and PhD).
To advertise in future editions of Grad Programs, contact Mike McKenna at (888) 396-1257 or email him at mmckenna@psychnetworker.org. |
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