67th Annual Conference

Thursday, February 25

Afternoon Workshops

2:30 P.M. - 5:00 P.M.

Workshop 23

The Art of the Sell-Selling Group Therapy to Clients

Presented in cooperation with the Southern Illinois University Counseling Center

Chairs:                

Rufus Gonzales, Ph.D., Staff Psychologist, DePaul University Counseling Services, Chicago, Illinois

Scott Kaplan, Ph.D., Staff Counselor/Group Coordinator, Southern Illinois University Counseling Center, Carbondale, Illinois

Tari Mellinger, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Loyola University Wellness Center (Counseling Center), Chicago, Illinois

This interactive workshop will help participants explore effective ways to "sell" group psychotherapy to clients who may be initially resistant, and will emphasize work at a university or college counseling center.  Different types of resistance and effective "selling" methods will be identified. Listening for client issues suited for group therapy will be addressed as well as how to use this information intentionally to "sell" group. Additionally, diversity and cultural issues relevant to making effective and appropriate group referrals will be explored. This workshop will consist of fishbowl role plays and large group discussion.  Successful group selling and promotion practices from a variety of counseling centers will be amongst the topics discussed. experiential-sharing of work experiences-demonstration-didactic

Learning Objectives:

The attendee will be able to:

1. Identify how to sell group to even the most resistant clients.
2. Identify barriers to group participation for both potential clients and those making group referrals.
3. Identify how to *listen* for issues during an initial intake interview or individual therapy session.
4. Contrast universal features of "The Art of Sell" and elements that require intentionality and specificity.
5. Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and competence in working with variables relevant to making group referrals for diverse populations.

Course References:

Yalom, I. D., & Leszcz, M. (2005). Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy, 5th Ed. New York: Basic Books.
 

Corey, M. & Corey,G. (1997). Groups: Process & Practice, 5th Ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
 

Fehr, S. S. (2003). Introduction to Group Therapy: A Practical Guide, 2nd Ed. New York: The Haworth Press.
 

Rutan S. J. & Stone, W. N. (2001). Psychodynamic Group Psychotherapy, 3rd edition. New York: Guilford Press.