There’s a growing recognition that “wisdom,” that elusive ability to see life whole,
Rich Simon
Rich Simon
involves recognizing a complex web of interconnections. Read more...
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Recent Posts

Treating the Mixed-Agenda Couple

Bill Doherty On An Approach For Unaligned Relationships

Tough Customers: Is It Them or Us?

Tough CustomersBy 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.

You Don’t Have To Choose

Casey Truffo On Doing The Work You Love And Making It Pay

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.
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List of 2012 Exhibitors

Exhibitors

A Thread of Hope Guatemalan Fair Trade
Beautiful and meaningful! Handcrafted scarves, jackets, jewelry, baskets, more, Fairly-Traded. Social worker Eliza Strode works with Mayan women in Guatemala.
www.athreadofhope.org

American Dance Therapy Association
Dance/Movement Therapy is the psychotherapeutic use of movement furthering the emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration of the individual. ADTA maintains high standards for education, registry, and board certification.
www.adta.org

American Professional Agency, Inc.
American Professional Agency, Inc. provides Professional Liability Insurance with specific emphasis in the mental and allied health fields. Please visit our website below.
www.americanprofessional.com

American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association is the premier source for information in psychology. APA delivers this information through its expansive collection of books, journals, newsletters, and electronic products, and on its website.
www.apa.org

Andrew Weil Books & Tapes
The Networker will be selling Keynoter Andrew Weil books, including the latest, Spontaneous Happiness, and other books, CDs and DVDs. Stop by and get your GoTo Card stamp here.
www.psychotherapynetworker.org

Association Book Exhibit
A combined display of scholarly/professional titles from leading publishers. Free catalog available.
info@bookexhibit.com

Aura Photo & Reading and Editorial Services
Auraphoto and Life purpose readings with a biofeedback aura-imaging camera. Fine Gemstone Jewelry. Need help writing that book? Editor, ghostwriter, writing coach available.
LaBelleStar@earthlink.net (Aura Photo)
JamesDennyTownsend@gmail.com (Editorial Services)

Austen Riggs Center
The Austen Riggs Center offers intensive psychotherapy in an open, hospital-based therapeutic community setting, 2 ½ hours from Boston and 3 hours from New York City.
www.austenriggs.org

The BioMat Company
This unique tool combines the comforting warmth of FarInfrared with the rejuvenating benefits of negative ions and the calming influence of amethyst. Come experience.
joyce@thebiomatcompany.com
www.biomatsales.com

Bridges to Recovery
Bridges to Recovery is a premier residential treatment program designed for people suffering from psychiatric disorders who are seeking in-depth psychotherapy and an alternative to a hospital for their primary and extended care.
www.bridgestorecovery.com

Castlewood Treatment Center
Castlewood specializes in treatment of anorexia, bulimia and compulsive overeating with an individualized treatment approach tailored to meet the needs of each client.
www.castlewoodtc.com

The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt
The Center for Eating Disorders provides a full-continuum of specialized, evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents and adults with eating disorders. Most insurance plans accepted.
www.eatingdisorder.org

The Center for Mind-Body Medicine
The Center for Mind-Body Medicine combines modern science, wise tradition, and human connection to create a powerful new medicine centered on a simple concept—self-care.
www.cmbm.org

The Center for Self Leadership
Internal Family Systems therapy offers a clear, non-pathologizing and empowering method of understanding human problems, which is widely embraced by the trauma community and those interested in integrating spirituality with psychotherapy.
www.selfleadership.org

Civilian Medical Corps
Practice your specialty with one of the largest health care networks in the world. With over 2,500 positions available, meet our career consultants and explore your opportunities.
www.CivilianMedicalJobs.com

CMI Education Institute, Inc.
CMI Education Institute, Inc (PESI, Premier Education Solutions & MEDS-PDN) is a non-profit company providing continuing education through live seminars, publications, homestudy, & on-demand trainings.
www.pesi.com

Council for Relationships
Counseling, training, and research center offers Master’s, post-graduate and CE programs for all levels of experience. We’re a Philadelphia-based agency, with 13 offices, offering sliding-scale counseling and psycho-education.
www.CouncilForRelationships.org

Cumberland Heights
Cumberland Heights is a not-for-profit residential treatment center in Nashville, Tennessee, committed to providing the highest quality of care possible, in a cost-effective manner, for people suffering from the disease of chemical dependency.
www.cumberlandheights.org

Dominion Hospital
Dominion Hospital, located in Falls Church, Virginia provides dedicated inpatient and partial hospitalization services for children, adolescents, adults and individuals suffering from eating disorders. Please visit our website below for more information.
www.DominionHospital.com

Earth Wisdom Music & Clothing
Earth Wisdom Music & Clothing features exquisite silk and velvet jackets and scarves, magic dresses that become six dresses, humorous and fine art T-shirts, and music for relaxation and guided meditation.
www.earthwisdommusicandclothing.com

Empathic Clinical Suite
Practice management / medical records software. Designed exclusively for behavioral health professionals. Integrated scheduling, charts, DSM-IV-TR, claims processing, financial center. All-in-one, hosted over the Internet.
www.empathic.com

The Farley Center at Williamsburg Place
Nationally recognized and respected for helping people from all walks of life recover from alcohol and drug addiction. For more information visit our website below.
www.farleycenter.com

GIA Wellness
Attain optimal wellness with highly effective hydration, EMF protection, and potent nutrition. Slow down aging, experience improved focus, look and feel younger and more vibrant.
www.giawellness.com

GODpillow
GODpillow gifts provide necessary tools for "healing through Prayer & Meditation". GODpillows can be used for either kneeling in prayer or sitting in meditation. Create your "Inspirational Space" with our other products: Embroidered Throw Pillows. Tibetan Bells, Salt Lamps and more. Stop by our booth and receive a special gift just for trying!
www.godpillow.com

Guilford Publications
New Titles Include: Germer & Siegel, Wisdom and Compassion in Psychotherapy; Siegel, Developing Mind, 2E; Walsh, Normal Family Processes, 4E; Emery, Renegotiating Family Relationships, 2E.
www.guilford.com

Hands Turned On
Hands Turned On introduces energy medicine t-shirts, designed to help people heal themselves using energy medicine, the art of healing through touch, breath, and movement.
www.Handsturnedon.com

Health Data Services, Inc.
Health Data Services, Inc., founded in 1988, has the mission of automating the offices of small healthcare providers with affordable PM & EMR software.
www.healthdataservices.com

HeartMath
HeartMath provides a range of unique services, products, and technology to assist patients in increasing health and well-being while dramatically reducing stress.
www.heartmath.com

Humane Society University
Humane Society University offers an Animal Assisted Interventions Graduate Certificate focusing on integrating animals within the context of therapy.
http://humanesocietyuniversity.org/aai

Inova Behavioral Health Services
Inova Behavioral Health Services is a leader in providing the highest quality mental health and addiction treatment services in Northern Virginia and the Washington, DC metro area.
www.inova.org/behavioral-health

International Psychotherapy Institute
IPI is a distance-learning institute providing training in Individual, Couples, and Family Psychotherapy. We use contemporary psychodynamic models grounded in developmental psychology and neuroscience.
www.theipi.org

Jason Aronson Publishers
Jason Aronson is the premier publisher of highly regarded books in psychotherapy. We are dedicated to publishing professional, scholarly works by respected and gifted authors.
www.rowman.com

Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Jessica Kingsley Publishers and Singing Dragon are committed to producing books that make a difference for psychotherapists, counselors and integrative mental health professionals.
www.Jkp.com

Kabultec
Afghan Women and Orphans: Literacy training, helping poor orphans, building grassroots democracy. One of a kind handicraft: Embroidery, blown glass, jewelry, kilims, rugs and chapans.
www.kabultec.org

Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is one of the nation’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plan with over 8.8 million members. For more information visit our website below.
http://jobs.kp.org

KeyStone Center / ECU
The Keystone Center ECU treats issues surrounding sexual compulsivity and trauma. Treatment components address cognitive, behavioral, spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction & recovery. The Minimum length of stay is 4 weeks.
www.keystonecenterecu.net

Marworth Treatment Center
Marworth is a national leader in alcohol and chemical dependency treatment. Dignity, respect, and compassion are the cornerstone of our work with clients and their families. We are passionate in our commitment to the beauty of recovery.
www.marworth.org

Monroe Products / The Art of Healing
Hemi-Sync® is a patented audio-guidance technology. Applications include focused concentration, manifesting goals, overcoming ADD/ADHD, releasing unwanted habits, meditation, sleep, and more.
www.hildegardstarmer.com

National Association of Social Workers
The National Association of Social Workers is the largest membership organization of professional social workers. Visit our booth for information on our clinical credentials and practice area specialties.
www.SocialWorkers.org

New Harbinger Publications
For over 35 years, New Harbinger Publications has been the leader in self-help psychology publishing for both professional and lay audiences. Please stop by booth 100 to receive a copy of our new catalog, enter our drawing for free books and CDs and to see the list of author signings at the Symposium.
www.newharbinger.com

Open Sky Wilderness Therapy
Open Sky Wilderness Therapy uses a holistic approach in working with adolescents and young adults on a variety of issues including trauma, depression, anxiety, family & school problems, Internet addiction, bipolar, OCD, AD/HD, grief & loss, and low self-esteem.
www.openskywilderness.com

Psychiatric Institute of Washington
Psychiatric Institute of Washington is an acute care hospital providing treatment for substance abuse, trauma and mental illness in the nation’s capital. Visit our website below.
www.psychinstitute.com

The Renfrew Center
The Renfrew Center treat women with eating disorders, ages 14 and up, providing treatment programs in PA, FL, NJ, NY, CT, NC, TN, TX, and MD.
www.renfrew.org

Rhythmic Medicine
Music composed specifically for lowering the heart rate and blood pressure, and to help alleviate pain. Featuring Native America flutes and amazing mini music machines.
www.rhythmicmedicine.com

Routledge Mental Health
Routledge publishes an impressive portfolio of professional books, textbooks and journals, including Two Plus Two by Greif & Deal and Sexual Awareness by McCarthy & McCarthy.
www.routledgementalhealth.com

The SASSI
The SASSI Institute is the developer, publisher, and distributors of substance use measures that help human service practitioners promote early intervention and treatment of substance use disorders.
www.sassi.com

Seabrook House
Seabrook House is a private inpatient and outpatient drug and alcohol treatment center located in rural Bridgeton, NJ; licensed for 37 sub-acute detox beds, 72 residential rehab beds and 37 long-term Female beds; 28 bed long-term Men’s Transitional Living Program in Westfield, PA.
www.seabrookhouse.org

Self Esteem Shop
Books and signings by many Symposium presenters at Self Esteem Shop, the Conference Bookstore. Therapeutic resources for children, adolescents, & adults. Books, Puppets, Posters, Games, and Gifts.
www.selfesteemshop.com

Shambhala Publications
Shambhala publishes books on mindfulness-based approaches to well-being written by distinguished teachers, researchers, and clinicians. We are offering a discount of 30% off at our booth. For more information, and a wider selection of products, visit our website below.
www.shambhala.com

Sierra Tucson
Sierra Tucson treats coexisting disorders, addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders, pain, and trauma. Psychiatric services, 12-Step, innovative therapies. Dually Licensed/Accredited; member of CRC Health Group. (800) 842-4487.
www.SierraTucson.com

Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute
Somatic Experiencing® training information, bookstore, DVDs of using SE® with a Marine Iraq War Veteran and watch a DVD about SE®. Visit us for your free Slinky!
www.traumahealing.com

TherapySites
Websites for Therapists. More than just a website. With TherapySites you can launch your website in minutes and start growing your practice online.
www.TherapySites.com

The Trauma Disorders Program at Sheppard Pratt
As a program with national and international recognition in a top-10 ranked behavioral health facility, we offer treatment for all stages of psychological trauma recovery.
www.traumaatsp.org

Union Institute & University
UI & U’s PsyD program utilizes a distributed learning approach that integrates online and face-to-face courses. Cohorts are based in Ohio and Vermont. Master’s programs also offered.
www.myunion.edu/psyd

United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP)
United States Association for Body Psychotherapy (USABP) is a non-profit umbrella organization for the emerging profession of body psychotherapy. It is dedicated to providing a strong common identity and voice to the field.
www.usabp.org

Whole Person Associates
Leading publisher of resources for professionals who empower people to create and maintain healthy lifestyles by addressing stress management, wellness promotion and mental health issues.
www.wholeperson.com

W.W. Norton & Company
Publishing for a wide range of mental health professionals, our books include titles on neurobiology, trauma treatment, couples and family therapy, mind/body therapy, coaching, school psychology, and general psychotherapy.
www.wwnorton.com/psych

YourTango Experts
YourTango Experts is a division of YourTango.com, an online women's magazine dedicated to life, love and relationships. Stop by our booth to win prizes and learn how we can help you find clients and grow your practice using smart, ethical web skills.
www.YourTango.com

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