67th Annual Conference

Thursday, February 25

Morning Workshops

10:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

Workshop 7

Fight, Flee or Engage: Working with Aggression in Groups

Chair:                

Joseph Acosta, M.A., CGP, Private Practice, Austin, Texas

Open to participants with less than four years of group psychotherapy experience.

Aggressive thoughts and feelings are vital components of psychoanalytic group therapy. In this workshop, we will explore some neurobiological underpinnings of aggression, define the narcissistic defense, and distinguish between subjective and objective feelings. We also will demonstrate the differences between aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an experiential group process.

demonstration-experiential-didactic-sharing of work experiences

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Specify two neurobiological components of aggression
2. Distinguish the differences between aggressive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
3. Identify one benefit from inviting aggressive thoughts and feelings in group
 

Course References:

Kirman, J. (1986). The Management of Aggression in Modern Psychoanalytic Treatment. Modern Psychoanalysis, XI: 1&2, 37-49.

Ormont, L. (2001). The Leader's Role in Dealing with Aggression in Groups, in The Technique of Group Treatment, L. Furgeri. (Ed.), Madison, CT: Psychosocial Press, 299-319.

Spotnitz, H. (1995). Psychotherapy of Preoedipal Conditions, Chapter 7. London/New Jersey: Jason Aronson Inc.