Workshop: Studying Connection: Exploring the Contact Function in Modern Group

Studying Connection: Exploring the Contact Function in Modern Group

Ryan Spencer LMFT, CGP, AGPA-F

Discovering how clients initiate and maintain connections is fundamental to Modern Analytic Theory. Analysts explore how patients establish or avoid contact with their analyst, and assess the depth and duration of these connections—the core of the contact function. This understanding serves as a diagnostic tool and also helps analysts determine the optimal level of engagement that patients can handle without feeling overwhelmed. This workshop will integrate didactic learning, small and large group discussions, a demonstration group, and is designed to introduce clinicians to the contact function and illustrate its practical application in therapeutic practice.

Workshop Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

• Define the following concepts: The Contact Function, Object Oriented Questions, Progressive Emotional Communication.
  
• Distinguish between clients that are narcissistic or object oriented.
  
• Utilize the contact function to attune to a client's stimulation threshold.
  
• Identify how the contact function can be used to track a client's maturational progress.
  

Biography

Ryan Spencer is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Austin, Texas, with additional licensure in California. He is passionate about working with individuals and groups to foster insight, healing, sturdiness, and connection. As a Certified Group Psychotherapist and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Ryan is dedicated to advancing the field of group therapy. He has held leadership positions on the boards of the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (Past President), the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society, and the American Group Psychotherapy Association.

3 CEUs available for Social Workers, LPCs, LMFTs, and Psychologists