WORKSHOP IAGP
Why Focused Group Therapy Works and How to Do it
Three workshops with Christer Sandahl, Hjördis Nilsson Ahlin, Catharina Asklin-Westerdahl, Lena Wennlund, Ulf Åkerström and Ann Örhammar
In collaboration with the Webinar Committee and the Education Committee
WS 1. Saturday May 8th, 2021, 3.30 pm – 5 pm CET
Introduction and overview of the approach, including theoretical and research rationale. Lecture and small group Q & R sessions.
WS 2. Saturday May 22th, 2021, 3.30 pm – 5 pm CET
The art of formulating an individual focus. Lecture and small group practice sessions.
WS 3. Saturday June 5th, 2021, 3.30 pm – 5 pm CET
The role of leader in Focused Group Therapy. Lecture, demonstration and small group discussions
Description of the Workshop:
In Focused Group Therapy (FGT), the starting point is what functions well in a person’s life. The focus is on experienced obstacles to coping and solving problems in relations to others. Attention is directed towards current experiences. In working with a relational focus in FGT, the problems should be described in everyday behavioural terms. Group leaders and group members should be able to recognize a problem when it surfaces in interaction in the group therapy setting. Therefore, FGT requires a group focus and an individual member focus that must be clearly stated, clearly understood, and evident in the therapeutic process. FGT is a here-and-now approach to therapy. It is time-limited with two meetings a week during the first half of the treatment and one meeting a week during the second half.
The aim of the three workshops is to give participants an understanding of how FGT can be implemented in their current work situation. Participants will also learn how to formulate an individual focus which can be worked with in the here and now of the group. Finally, the workshop will demonstrate the basic principles that guide the work of the group leader.
Ref: Sandahl, C., Nilsson Ahlin, H., Asklin-Westerdahl, C., Björling, A., Malmqust Saracino, A., Wennlund, L., Åkertsröm, U. & Örhammar, A. (2021). Why group therapy works and how to do it. London: Routledge
