Institute: Excitement in Deprivation: Unveiling Silent Resistances

Event Description:

When our early environments fail to meet our needs or even undermine them, many of us develop coping mechanisms of self-deprivation. We learn to control our needs and desires, deriving a subtle sense of power and excitement from "not needing." This method of self-preservation, while protective, often comes at the expense of a more authentic experience of life.

Overcoming these resistances to speak up, embrace vulnerability, and allow ourselves to be truly seen is essential for an alive group experience. It is also central to the work of effective group leadership. By taking productive risks and giving voice to our authentic selves, we open the door to growth and deeper connection.

Participants will learn to identify self-deprivation and the deprivation of others and develop skills to foster a more vibrant, nourishing group dynamic. Through exploration and practice, attendees will gain tools to help group members courageously share their stories, needs, and selves – paving the way for richer relationships and a more fulfilling experience of life.

About the Presenters: 

Donna Rich, LCSW, is an Austin therapist specializing in couples, individual, and group therapy. Her therapy journey began when she was working by day in a library, playing guitar in punk bands by night and added group therapy at the suggestion of her therapist. She discovered a profound sense of connection and empowerment in the process group, which inspired her to pursue graduate studies and become a therapist.

Since 1999, Donna has led therapy groups in various settings with veterans, college students, and the elderly. She currently co-leads groups with Scott Phillips. An active member of the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA), Donna also serves as Events Co-Chair for the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society (AGPS) and has presented at the AGPA Connect National Conference on building successful co-leading relationships.  She continues to love music and plays in a bluegrass-inspired duo. 

Scott Phillips, LMFT, CGP is a psychotherapist in private practice in Austin, Texas working with individuals and groups. Scott has been participating in, leading, and co-leading groups of various kinds throughout his career. He loves working with people to know, feel, and express all their emotions in ways that grow their lives and relationships. He continues to actively grow in his own training and process groups and is a student of the Center for Group Studies in New York City. He spent a decade working with family systems and supervising clinicians in Los Angeles addressing trauma and attachment. Scott is a past-president of the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society (AGPS) and has presented nationally at AGPA Connect. 

Learning Objectives

1. Define the concept of resistance from a modern analytic perspective.

2. Attendees will identify two of their own resistances in group dynamics.

3. Describe two ways clients can express feelings around depriving and being deprived in groups. 

Event Schedule

(including lunch and breaks, as needed)

Friday September 20,  2024

3:00pm - 4:30pm Group 

4:30pm - 4:45pm Break

4:45pm - 5:00pm Didactic 

5:00pm - 6:00pm Group

Saturday September 21, 2024

9:00am - 10:30am Group

10:30am - 10:45am Break

10:45am - 12:15pm Group

12:15pm - 1:45pm  Lunch  

1:45pm - 3:15pm Group

3:15pm - 3:30pm Break

3:30pm - 3:45pm Debrief 

3:45pm - 4:45pm Group

4:45pm - 5:00pm Evaluations

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: 

Scott & Donna’s Office

1007 Mopac Circle, #201 Austin, TX 78756

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