The critical moment in any psychodynamic group is enhancing the emotional communication between group members. Connecting on an emotional level bridges the members together which strengthens the group so that it is able to withstand the inevitable upheavals. This workshop will feature a 60-minute demonstration group and an opportunity for debriefing and discussion with members, observers, the leader and discussant. 

This workshop will include a 60-minute demonstration group, led by Oona Metz, LICSW, CGP, AGPA Fellow, and featuring participation from audience volunteers.  Experiencing group dynamics firsthand remains one of the most effective ways to learn about group dynamics, and volunteers are encouraged to approach the experience as a learning opportunity in the exploration of therapeutic work.

If you would like to volunteer, please do so when you register by checking the volunteer box after selecting your ticket.  Volunteers will participate in a “fishbowl” group experience in which the audience will observe as participants are invited to share openly about their thoughts and feelings in reaction to each other and to the experience.  Volunteers should understand that they are not only welcome to express their authentic emotional reactions, but are encouraged to do so.  Volunteers should also understand that while this is not a therapy experience, they may find that it evokes material and feelings that are sensitive and/or personal.  Volunteers will be given an opportunity to debrief with the facilitator(s) after the workshop upon request.  The demonstration group will be limited to 8 volunteers, and so the first 8 registrants to indicate their interest will be invited to participate. In the event that insufficient volunteers are identified in registration, then additional volunteers will be selected on the morning of the event. 

Introduction:  Jeff Brand, Psy.D. CGP

Jeff Brand is a staff psychologist at The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health where he directs the adult group therapy program.  This includes supervision, teaching, and program development, in addition to caring for adults and adolescents.  In his private practice, he sees adults in individual, couples and group therapy.  He completed his Psy.D. at Rutgers University and did his internship at the Cambridge Health Alliance.  He has written about trauma and published articles about group therapy.   He was previously on the board of directors for the Northeastern Society for Group Psychotherapy and is currently on the board of directors for the NSGP Foundation.   He enjoys being outside.

Group Leader:  Oona Metz, LICSW, CGP, AGPA Fellow
Oona Metz is a licensed social worker, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association. She has been in practice for 30 years and has offices in Arlington and Brookline where she sees individual clients and leads three weekly Divorce Support Groups and one weekly Interpersonal group. Oona is a regular speaker at both local and national conferences. In addition, Oona is active on numerous committees related to group therapy. Oona believes in the healing power of talk therapy, exercise and yoga.  She enjoys nature, laughter, gratitude, vitamin D and chocolate. Oona lives with her partner and daughter. She has one bossy cat, one scaredy cat and one perfect dog. 

Discussant:  William Sharp, PsyaD 
William Sharp is a BGSP faculty member and in private practice where he consults with individuals, families and other groups. He has been running groups for the last 19 years in schools and in Brookline Village.  He has taught the Group Dynamics course at BGSP and trained at the Center for Group Studies in NYC.  He has previously published in the   International Journal of Group Psychotherapy  and   GROUP  (the journal of the Eastern Group Psychotherapy association).  He is currently the treasurer for the Northeast Society for Group Psychotherapy (NSGP). 

Students / Equity:  No charge

NSGP Members:  $25

BGSP Community:  $25

General Admission:  $35

Equity Payment available. See registration page for details.

2 CE’s/Clock Hours included in Fees 

This event is in person only and will be held at:

The Boston Graduate School of Psychoanalysis

1581 Beacon St.

Brookline, MA 02446

Proof of vaccination (including booster shot) at the door and masks in public areas are required.

Space limited to 50 participants.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Name phases of group development and the leader’s role in each phase

2.Explain the importance of the group agreement, boundaries, and group culture

3. Identify emotions, beliefs, sensory experiences, and behaviors that occur in groups in oneself and others

Questions? email continuinged@bgsp.edu or call (617) 277 – 3915