Institute: What the Inner Critic May Be Trying to Tell You

Facilitated by: Laura Ebady, PsyD, CGP 

Licensed Psychologist and Certified Group Psychotherapist

Event Description:

The inner critic is something all of us are familiar with. What you may not realize is that sometimes, the inner critic’s messages have more to do with your feelings towards others than they do with thoughts or feelings about yourself. When expressions of anger or frustration aren’t accepted or allowed, that frustration can get turned inward. This is what’s known in modern analytic terms as “the narcissistic defense,” and it can show up in surprising ways. Through group process and discussion, institute participants will learn more about this widespread but under-discussed defense mechanism: how it develops, how it manifests (both in yourself and in your clients), and how to work with it.

About the Presenter: 

Dr. Laura Ebady is a clinical psychologist and Certified Group Psychotherapist with a private practice in Austin, Texas. Using primarily a modern analytic stance, she works with adult individuals, couples, and groups, including three mixed-gender process groups and a modern analytic training group. Laura served two terms on the Board of Directors of the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society (AGPS), and she has served as a presenter, training institute group leader, and conference breakout group leader for AGPS. 
In addition, Laura has led workshops, supervision, and process groups for colleagues in St. Petersburg, Russia. An advocate for lifelong learning, she trained at the Center for Group Studies in New York and is in a long-term training group as well as a long-term psychotherapy group. In her private practice, Laura specializes in identity development and fostering self-acceptance.

Event Schedule (including lunch and breaks, as needed):  

Friday 3/22:3:00pm-3:15pm Introductions

3:15pm-4:30pm Group

4:30pm-4:45pm Break

4:45pm-5:45pm Group

5:45pm-6:15pm Didactic

Saturday 3/23:9:30am-11:00am Group

11:00am-11:15am Break

11:15am-12:45pm Group

12:45pm-2:15pm  Lunch (on one’s own)

2:15pm-3:45pm Group

3:45pm-4:00pm Break

4:00pm-5:00pm Group

5:00pm-5:20pm Debrief

5:20pm-5:30pm Evals

What Are Group Institutes?

Institutes are a highly experiential form of small group teaching led by experienced instructors. They are intended to develop therapy skills relevant to leading groups. They often offer a chance to explore a particular theme in greater depth or to experience a different theoretical approach. Institutes are primarily designed for mental health professionals who have clinical psychotherapy experience. While institutes are not therapy, they are process-oriented and it is expected that they may stir feelings spanning the whole range of human experience. Members agree to attend the entire group, to participate actively, and to respect the confidentiality of the other members. The secure environment of these small groups allows for rich cognitive and deep emotional learning about group process and oneself, not to mention a chance for personal and professional renewal.

Location: In-Person. Provided upon registration

11.75 CEUs available for social workers, LPCs, LMFTs, and psychologists.