Core Program References

Texts:
Corey, G., Corey, M.S., & Corey C., (2017) Groups: Process and Practice (10th ed.)  Brooks/Cole Publishers.

Dana, D. (2018) The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Gantt, S.P., & Agazarian, Y.M. (Eds.) (2006). Systems-centered therapy: In clinical practice with individuals, families and groups. Livermore, CA: WingSpan Press. Reprint (2011). London, UK: Karnac Books.

Gantt, S.P. & Badenoch, B. (Eds.) (2013). The Interpersonal Neurobiology of Group Psychotherapy and Group Process. Routledge.

Mackenzie, K. R. (1990) Introduction to Time Limited Psychotherapy. Washington: American Press.

Marmarosh, C.L., Markin, R.D. and Spiegel, E.B. (2013). Attachment in Group Psychotherapy. Washington: American Psychological Association.

Ormont, L.R. Edited by Furgeri, L.B. (2016). The Technique of Group Treatment: The Collected Papers of Louis R. Ormont, Ph.D. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Porges, S. W. (2021) Polyvagal Safety: Attachment, Communication, Self-regulation. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Rutan, J.S., Stone, W.N., and Shay J. (2014) Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy (5th ed.). New York: Guilford Press.

Yalom, I.D. & Leszcz, M. (2020) The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy (6th ed.) New York: Basic Books.

Articles:
Counselman, E.F. (2008) Reader's Forum: Why Study Group Therapy? International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 58(2).

Joyce, A., Tasca, G., & Ogrodniczuk, J. (2015) Group Psychotherapy in Canada. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 65(4).

Lefforge, N.L., McLaughlin, S., Goates-Jones, M., Mejia, C. (2020) A Training Model for Addressing Micro-aggressions in Group Psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 70: 1-28.

Zaslav, M. (1988) A Model of Group Therapist Development. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 38(1).

Videos:
Zeisel, E. You Tube video series, GROUP.

Systems Centered Training and Research Institute  You Tube Video,
The Edge of the Unknown 

You Tube Video, SCT- Seeing the System, Not Just People~  Commemorating the Work of Yvonne Agazarian 

This season’s list highlights articles, texts and other creative and thoughtful offerings which address:
How we show up in these times…

In our discussions looking at generating a focus for this seasonal reading list as well as our summer newsletter, we wanted to pursue some of the issues raised in our recent Panel discussion on Polarization with Drs. Susan Gantt, Willard Ashley and Molyn Leszcz in preparation for our academic year ahead. In addressing how we show up in these times, we offer below a montage of materials that reflect the themes of conflict and repair; love and hate; projective identification and countertransference; history and hope…substantial topics to consider. Yet important to courageously consider, in the aid of collaboratively building our resources, growing our capacity to stand, in community and individually, to be seen and grounded, and to appreciate our collective roots.

In reflecting on the last few months, during a recent program consultation, we visited a treatment program based in a forest-setting a couple hours north of Toronto. The trees offered a visual metaphor for one of the many shared learnings for us… as group leaders, we are able to see both the forest and the individual trees.

The Forest for the Trees
by Rena Priest 2021, Washington State Poet Laureate.

I have seen a tree split in two
from the opposing weight of its branches.
It can survive, though its heart is exposed.
I have seen a country do this too.

I have heard an elder say,
That we must be like the willow—
bend not to break.
I have made peace this way.

My neighbors clear-cut their trees,
leaving mine defenseless. The arborist
said they’d fall in the first strong wind.
Together we stand. I see this now.

I have seen a tree grown around
a bicycle, a street sign, and a chainsaw,
absorbing them like ingredients
in a great melting pot.

When we speak, whether or not
we agree, the trees will turn
the breath of our words
from carbon dioxide, back into air—

give us new breath
for new words,
new chances to listen,
new chances to be heard. 

Conflict and Repair:

Ashley, W.W.C. (2021). New Rules for Radicals: TNT for Faith-Based Leaders. Judson Press.
Willard Ashley was one of our esteemed guests in our recent Polarization Panel Discussion, “Having Difficult Conversations in Increasingly Polarized Contexts". In addition to being a distinguished academic, he is a Senior Pastor of Abundant Joy Community Church, Jersey City, New Jersey, a Certified Psychoanalyst, Certified Group Psychotherapist and author. When speaking about the book he was quoted, "I wrote the book to encourage full participation in the conversation how best to honor our planet and strengthen our local communities. The book is an update from Rules for Radicals with a new look at racism and its impact on systems, laws and policies."
In the forward by Barbara Crain Major, she describes New Rules for Radicals, as follows: "Willard Ashley revisits the need for radicals in a society that constructs systems and awards those who keep persons marginalized to maintain those in power and the status quo. Building community and national relationships are part of this effort. Ashley also gives an overview of a pioneer, Saul Alinsky and the IAF’s work and shortfalls as a historical backdrop for building community and national relationships. Ashley outlines strategies for radicals in creating relationships and striving for excellence, not mediocrity. His experiences, stories, collaborations, and leaning on his faith are given to encourage “new radicals.” Ashley encourages new radicals to know their context, embrace conflict, and do their homework. Although radicals face strong and life-threatening opposition, Ashley advocates hope for change."
Important concepts to consider at all times and particularly in these turbulent times.  

Bader, Elizabeth, “The Psychology and Neurobiology of Mediation”, in Cardozo Journal of Conflict Resolution, Vol 17 (2) Winter Edition. The Neurobiology of Mediation: An Overview - Elizabeth Bader's Blog.
This article offers an understanding of the interaction between the desire for social connection and the fight-flight response, which people often experience when entering into mediation. This application of neurobiology concepts illustrates the necessity for mediators (and therapists) to have a broader understanding and appreciation neurobiology as it presents in conflict situations. The combination of unrealistic expectations, the reactivation and triggering that people experience, which lead to a fight-flight response, is countered by the need and desire to establish a degree of social connection and work towards an effective resolution. Bader discusses the importance of respecting the need for all parties to save ‘face’ and the role of the mediator in ensuring that this occurs. 

Splitting, Polarization and Conflict: This Jungian Life Podcast 
In this interesting podcast the Jungian concept of holding the tension of the opposites is explored. This capacity allows energy, like electricity, to flow between both poles; each can have its full say. Instead of remaining mired in fixity or moral judgment, curiosity may open the way for a new attitude that transcends the polarities. 

Pathways to Repair
This is the product of a two-year learning journey, conducted by The Dinner Party Labs, Faith Matters Network, and Center for Rural Strategies, called Pathways to Repair. It is “a collection of stories and lessons about repair, drawn from the experiences of those who have experienced harm and those who have caused it. This project was developed in response to the authors' observation of public ruptures within social justice and healing-oriented organizations.” 

Spelman, Elizabeth (2003) Repair: The Impulse to Restore in a Fragile World, Beacon Press.
In this thought-provoking book, author Elizabeth Spelman explores the ubiquity and variety of repair activities that humans engage in (or judge not possible or not desirable to undertake) from fixing cars to mending friendships to repairing the larger social and political fabric.

Brown, Nina W. (2022) “The Significance and Importance of Repairing Empathic Failures”, in Women, Intersectionality and Power in Group Psychotherapy Leadership. Edited by Kane, YI, Masselink, Saralyn M. and Weiss, Annie C., Routledge Publishers. In this chapter Nina Brown addresses the importance of attending to and repairing empathic failures as they can significantly affect the therapeutic alliance for both individual group members as well as the group-as-a-whole.  

The Psychotherapy Practitioners Research Network
is sponsoring opportunities for registered mental health providers in Canada and the US to participate in professional development training and research: https://researchpprnet.ca/therapist
Benefits for participants include
• Accessing free, cutting-edge, evidence-based professional development designed for busy clinicians.
• Improving their working relationships with patients.
• improving their ability to recognize and avoid microaggressions and repair them should they happen.

We recently came across an organization (UNITE, founded in 2018) that has created The Dignity Index, “an eight-point scale for measuring how we talk to each other when we disagree.” ( www.dignityindex.us ) We found the website very interesting, with lots of printable materials and resources to address their goals: ease divisions; prevent violence; solve problems. 

Love and Hate:

We are excited to note that Dr. Ronnie Levine has agreed to launch our 2024-2025 academic year early this fall with a complimentary Conversation about group leadership. In addition to learning more about her leadership path, we will explore her views about polarization, and addressing ‘love and hate’ in the context of understanding contemporary society.
In preparation for her conversation, you may wish to review her article below:

Levine, R. (2011) Progressing while Regressing in Relationships. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 61 (4).

When we came across this James Baldwin quote below, it reminded us of Dr. Will Ashley for 2 reasons: first, he referenced two James Baldwin quotes in our recent panel on Polarization. And second, in referencing his own Polarized Group Theory, he encouraged us to learn to love, to respect our common humanity, and work to restore dignity to others. Disagreeing doesn’t necessitate splitting or trying to destroy the other.

“The longer I live, the more deeply I learn that love – whether we call it friendship or family or romance – is the work of mirroring and magnifying each other’s light. Gentle work. Steadfast work. Life-saving work in those moments when life and shame and sorrow occlude our own light from our view, but there is still a clear-eyed loving person to beam it back. In our best moments, we are that person for another.” James Baldwin 

Projective Identification and Countertransference: 

Shay, J.J., (2011) Projective Identification Simplified: Recruiting Your Shadow. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 61(2) pp. 238-261.
The concept of projective identification offers an invaluable lens for making meaning of the intense emotional reactions that become activated during conflict in groups. This author examines this complex psychological process in an accessible and practical manner which group leaders can use in their group practice.

Moreno, J.K. (2007) Scapegoating in Group Psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 57(1).
This article examines the role of projective identification inherent in the process of scapegoating in groups. Using clinical vignettes, the author highlights whole-group interventions along with the technique of functional subgrouping that group leaders can use to manage scapegoating therapeutically.

Beck, R. and Buchelle, B. (2005) In the Belly of the Beast: Traumatic Countertransference. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 55(1).
The importance of consultation and peer support for group leaders who bravely led groups for people directly affected by the 9/11terrorist attacks is described in this article as an essential professional and self-care practice required for making meaning and managing intense countertransference reactions.

Benson, J.F. et al. (2005) Management of Intense Countertransference in Group Psychotherapy Conducted in Situations of Civic Conflict. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 55(1).
This article explores the intense countertransference reactions of 3 group therapists, leading groups during the civil unrest in Northern Ireland. Although across the pond, this is a timely and relevant read for group leaders leading groups during these global conflict-ridden times.

Gans, J.S. (1989) Hostility in Group Psychotherapy. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 39(4)
The meaning and functions of hostility in group therapy are examined in this article in an effort to increase the group leader’s capacity to handle hostility therapeutically. 

History and Hope:

In a 2016 essay published in The Guardian, Rebecca Solnit reflects on hope: "…hope is an embrace of the unknown and the unknowable ... the belief that what we do now matters even if how and when it may matter, who and what it may impact are not things we can know beforehand”.

Kristof, Nicholas D.(2024). Chasing Hope: A Reporter’s Life. Knopf Publishers.
“From New York Times columnist, Pulitzer Prize winner, and best-selling author Nicholas D. Kristof, an intimate and gripping memoir about a life in journalism… This is a candid memoir of vulnerability and courage, humility and purpose, mistakes and learning—a singular tale of the trials, tribulations, and hope to be found in a life dedicated to the pursuit of truth.”(cover).

In a recent article, Branching Out with Words: How One Woman’s ‘Poet-Tree’ is Building Meaningful Connections in Maria Shriver’s Sunday Paper, author Celeste McCauley celebrates the creative use of poetry to support connections.

One of our favourite contemporary authors, Priya Parker, who writes and speaks about The Art of Gathering, recommends the following film, The Greatest Night in Pop: The Untold Story Behind We are the World.

“If I were to create a gathering curriculum, I would teach this film. It’s a 90-minute close-up of how Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones used their power and love to wrangle the most famous pop stars of all time to record a song together in just nine hours. I devoured it. It’s a masterclass on purpose, power dynamics, and gently pushing people through their fears to a shared outcome.” Priya Parker. 

We’d like to end this summer’s reading list with a link to the mini-series: STAX: Soulsville: U.S.A.

The history of STAX Records is one of collaborative human interaction in the face of polarization. An important historic moment in the context of the music world but also in the history of a group changing norms that were destructive and divisive. In so doing STAX became an "oasis of racial sanity" during an inhumane era that witnessed "racial violence, assassinations, discrimination, and war".

"In just under two decades, Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, grew from a family-owned record store and studio to one of the most influential producers of soul music — launching the careers of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & The M.G.’s, Sam & Dave, and more. Through archival performance footage and intimate interviews, STAX: Soulsville, U.S.A. chronicles the musicians, songwriters, and producers who smashed racial barriers and created the signature Stax sound that defined an era."

At STAX the house band, Booker T and the MGs, set a tone of racial harmony and collective cooperation and in the process produced some of the most creatively significant soulful music in American history. The current mini-series, STAX: Soulsville: U.S.A., artfully directed by Jamila Wignot, masterfully weaves together the journey of the record label and crucial moments in the civil rights movement, making the series a consequential document in understanding those years in the context of history. At TIGS we often say, "more important than ever during this time when every aspect of our world faces extraordinary challenges, we can only effect real change by pushing ourselves to examine our own biases and engage in conversations with one another." In addition, to effect change we must also understand history. During our recent panel on Polarization, Will Ashley reminded us of the importance of knowing history. In the wise words of George Santayana in 1905 "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." That's why we are compelled to illuminate what we have learned to shed a light and see both the trees and the forest.