American Group Psychotherapy Association

Staff from the Brattleboro Retreat had the opportunity to attend the American Group Psychotherapy Association (AGPA) Conference?in San Francisco this year! The event's theme, "Being Seen: The Many Faces of Group," provided an inspiring platform to learn, connect, and further advance the field of group psychotherapy. Mental health professionals, clinicians, and students came together to explore new developments and expand their clinical practices. Among the Retreat cohort in attendance were Kurt White?and Geoff Kane, MD, MPH, who both delivered presentations at the conference, and five scholarship awardees, including three student social work interns from Smith College School for Social Work. Pictured here (left to right): Front Row:?Sarah Turbow, LICSW, Mo Jackson, Lexi Nieznay, Emily Bazin, Geoff Kane, MD, MPH Rear Row: Nnamdi Pole, Kurt White (Not pictured: Jessica Tamulonis, Ph.D.) #AGPAconnect2025

#AGPACONNECT2025 may be over, but the connections continue! We hope everyone is doing as well as they can. Your March Group Connections is here, filled with updates from Connect 2025, system updates and more. Check your inbox if you haven't already: https://bit.ly/4gPcIvY #AGPA

Being named a fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association last night in San Francisco has me reflecting on my grandparents. Without their visionary decision to immigrate from Venezuela, I would not have had the immense privilege of doctoral education or the ability to make the meaningful impact that my teaching, research, and supervision has had on the field of group psychotherapy. My demonstration video “Basics of Group Therapy” which I made with my colleague Cheri Marmarosh was published in June 2024 by APA, and I have been invited to give my “Queering Our Groups: Moving Beyond Inclusion” presentation for the Atlanta Group Psychotherapy Association and AGPA E-Learning. My article “Large Group Work at AGPA and Beyond: Finding Ourselves in a Global Context” was published in August 2024 and focuses on how to hold space for experiential learning for groups of larger than 10 from a psychodynamic perspective. I am particularly proud in this moment of my work highlighting gaps in equity towards queer folx and communities of color in the academic and professional spaces I am in. We have so much more work to do.

So proud to be on stage with you Jacquelin Darby, Psy.D., CGP ?? Thankyou American Group Psychotherapy Association and MAGPS ??

It was my pleasure to represent Kav L'Noar at the American Group Psychotherapy Association conference in San Francisco.

That's a wrap on #AGPAConnect2025?? A heartfelt THANK YOU to our incredible speakers, presenters, attendees, volunteers, sponsors, and staff for making this conference truly unforgettable. Your passion and dedication to group therapy continue to inspire us. We hope you had a meaningful experience, felt truly "seen," and created lasting memories. See you next year in New York City!???

This past week, I had the exciting opportunity to co-present on one of my favorite therapy groups at American Group Psychotherapy Association’s #AGPAConnect2025 with my wonderful colleague Amber Lea Walser, Psy.D. Our audience loved it and gave us resoundingly positive feedback— even asking us to offer this talk again in the future. Amber and I worked so hard to build and design this group from the ground up, and I could not have been prouder of us in that moment! Thankful to have such an amazing co-facilitator, and to have been invited to present our work. Title: Executive Function Junction: A Neurodiversity Affirming Group for Inclusive Study Skills, Self-Exploration & Community Description: This session will highlight Executive Function Junction, a skills-based weekly support group for college students with executive functioning challenges. This group uses a #neurodiversityaffirming approach– emphasizing valuing the unique strengths and challenges of each individual. The group provides a safe, #inclusive environment where members can share experiences and neuro-inclusive strategies based on learning differences. Facilitators implement personalized support, including tools for planning, organization, and time management. Ultimately, our goal is to help members practice self-acceptance, #reducestigma, and #buildcommunity.

So grateful to have had the opportunity to attend the American Group Psychotherapy Association Connect 2025 conference in San Francisco! It exceeded all my expectations of connection, learning, and professional & personal growth. I loved meeting so many colleagues who are passionate about group psychotherapy, learning about psychodrama interventions, and participating in different process groups. I feel inspired and motivated to continue my journey to help patients and my community through the healing power of groups #AGPA01

This past week, I had the exciting opportunity to co-present on one of my favorite therapy groups at American Group Psychotherapy Association’s #AGPAConnect2025 with my wonderful colleague Amber Lea Walser, Psy.D. Our audience loved it and gave us resoundingly positive feedback— even asking us to offer this talk again in the future. Amber and I worked so hard to build and design this group from the ground up, and I could not have been prouder of us in that moment! Thankful to have such an amazing co-facilitator, and to have been invited to present our work. Title: Executive Function Junction: A Neurodiversity Affirming Group for Inclusive Study Skills, Self-Exploration & Community Description: This session will highlight Executive Function Junction, a skills-based weekly support group for college students with executive functioning challenges. This group uses a #neurodiversityaffirming approach– emphasizing valuing the unique strengths and challenges of each individual. The group provides a safe, #inclusive environment where members can share experiences and neuro-inclusive strategies based on learning differences. Facilitators implement personalized support, including tools for planning, organization, and time management. Ultimately, our goal is to help members practice self-acceptance, #reducestigma, and #buildcommunity.

Join us for the Group Foundation Luncheon, featuring a stunning performance by the Eclecta Strings Trio! ??? Head to the Grand Ballroom Foyer at 12:00 PM for an afternoon of music, connection, and community. Don’t miss this special event! #AGPAConnect2025 #GroupFoundation