Events
GLGPS is known for its outstanding programming. Throughout the decades we have hosted remarkable speakers of all backgrounds from renowned experts in the field of group work to early career professionals with a niche offering of interest to our members. Much of our programming incorporates experiential components because we believe that learning-by-doing is the most effective way to internalize a new approach.
We want our quality events to be accessible to people of all means. In service of this goal, we offer generous scholarships to offset the cost of event registration fees. Hope to see you at our next event!
Upcoming Events:
The Balint Group Experience: Exploring the Clinician/Patient Relationships presented by Jose Nino, MA, LCPC
Sunday, October 23, 2022
2:00 – 5:00 p.m. Central Time via Zoom
2.5 CEUs will be awarded upon completion of the GLS.
At this training, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the Balint Group Method. Balint groups started as discussion groups for physicians to learn about the emotional underpinnings of the therapeutic relationship. In later years, it became a method used to experientially teach physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, clergy, and other healthcare professionals about empathy skills. In Balint groups, clinicians get together under the guidance of one or two well-trained Balint group leaders to explore the intricacies of the clinical relationships. Balint groups have been found to increase relationship awareness, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the emotional experience of the patient and the clinician.
Learning Objectives
The attendee will be able to:
1. Define the purpose, essential elements, and outcomes of Balint Groups.
2. Demonstrate how relationship awareness, empathy, and increased understanding of the patient and the clinician experience develops in a Balint group.
3. Describe ways to start and maintain a group in different settings.
José Niño is a licensed professional counselor in private practice and previously behavioral science faculty for the family medicine residency program at AMITA Health Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center (AHSMEMC) in Chicago. He graduated with an MD degree from The Colombian School of Medicine, University El Bosque, Bogota, Columbia, and obtained a master’s degree in counseling from Northwestern University in Evanston. Since 2020, José has been dedicated to his full-time private practice of psychotherapy and consulting. José has focused his work, teaching, and clinical practice on the impact of psychological trauma, trauma informed care, acculturative stress, developing the clinician-patient relationship, leading Balint groups, and clinician wellness and resilience. He has published and presented at national and international conferences on behavioral science in family medicine, Balint groups, Yoga, and Ayurveda. In 2021, José was credentialed as a Balint Group Leader by the American Balint Society (ABS). He currently lives in Evanston with his wife Rebecca and his children, Isabel Francesca and Oliver Javier.
Click here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-balint-group-experience-exploring-the-clinicianpatient-relationship-tickets-422555022447
Recent Events:
Sunday, June 12, 2022 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Central time
Stop “Shoulding” on Yourself: Identifying the Roots of Shame-Fueled Behavior presented by Carmen Burlingame, LCSW
This workshop centered on the case for and benefit of a psychoeducational group on the topic of shame. The presenter provided examples of the curriculum and content that was cultivated for this GLS. Case examples were provided from both an in-person and online iteration of the group to explore the benefits of both formats. Attendees had the opportunity for didactic and experiential learning within this workshop. The presenter provided examples for ways in which psychoeducational groups can benefit individuals as a stand-alone group and as a potential feeder for process groups. 2 CEUs available upon completion of the workshop requirements.
Sunday, February 12, 2022 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Central time
Introduction to Psychodrama: The Magic of Growth and Change presented by Shelley Korshak Firestone, MD, FAGPA, CP, PAT
Psychodrama is perhaps our most powerful and effective tool in our therapeutic arsenal. This largely experiential workshop presents the history, theory, and technique of psychodrama. It will teach techniques invaluable for individual, family, couple, and group psychotherapy and for anyone interested in self-improvement. The participants of this workshop will have the opportunity to experience the magic of growth and change, while gaining training and expertise in basic psychodrama techniques.
3.5 CEUs available upon completion of the workshop.
I registered for my first GLGPS (then IGPS) conference in 2014. At that time, I was primarily interested in networking with other professionals. While I did make some important connections with others at that conference, I gained a lot more than that.
I found the experiential learning inspiring. I had run groups in the past in non-profit agencies, but at that time I was only in a contemplation stage about starting a group in private practice. After the conference I became determined to do so. Because it was experiential, I was reminded what it might be like to be a member of a group and the power of connection with others. It took a few more conferences before I took action and started the group I’m still offering today, but thanks to the GLGPS community I had the support, training and resources I needed for that step.
In 2016 I joined the society’s Programming & Training committee. I’ve enjoyed being a part of a team working hard on offering training experiences that, hopefully, are as beneficial to others as they have been to me. I was honored to be nominated and elected to the chair of P&T in 2020 when then-chair, Bruce Aaron, transitioned to Board President. It’s been a very challenging year plus, but I’m writing this on a very hope-filled day in June and looking forward to being in rooms and circles with new and familiar faces.