Conference in Review:
AGPA (American Group Psychotherapy Association) Annual Meeting

In early March I attended AGPA in New York City and was asked by our local group therapy organization to share some highlights of my experience:

On Day 1 (“The Special Institute”) I attended a full-day workshop with Esther Perel, author of Mating in Captivity and found her to be dynamic, inspiring and engaging as she shared a very fresh and sometimes controversial perspective to her work with couples and desire.

On Days 2 and 3 (“The Institute”), I participated in a 2-day group experience lead by Ronnie Levine, PhD, a modern psychoanalytic group leader based in New York and an instructor at the Center for Group Studies. Although it was highly-challenging and unsettling at times, it provided an invaluable experience.

On Days 4 and 5 (“The Conference”) I attended three diverse workshops and one open session. The workshops all had a demonstration group as part of the format and the open session had a panel of four seasoned clinicians from different theoretical orientations analyzing a videotape of a scripted group.

Being with GPALA members away from L.A. was truly a treat. On Thursday afternoon the AGPA Community Meeting honored my friend and colleague Keith Rand as a new Fellow of AGPA — a very well-deserved recognition. Then many of us gathered for “happy hour” which felt like an oasis in the midst of 1000 attendees. Getting to know GPALA members outside of the hustle-bustle of L.A. allowed me to share some really memorable moments and conversations that seem rare back home.

Thursday night I attended a dinner organized by the GLBT Special Interest Group (SIG) as 35 of us gathered at a local Greek restaurant. On Thursday and Friday during lunch I attended the GLBT SIG and the Addiction/Recovery SIG, and this is another prime opportunity to build and develop relationships.

AGPA is also a place for fun. On Wednesday night Keith organized an outing to see Freud’s Last Session (an off-Broadway play), and there was also a dance and a luncheon which I didn’t attend this year because I snuck off to visit a childhood friend of mine in the city.

All in all, the AGPA Annual Meeting was an abundant 6-day event, and I chose how to pace myself throughout the week. It’s certainly a one-of-a-kind opportunity to be part of a vibrant community of those who are passionate about the power of groups.