In this episode, Angelo speaks with Dr. Elliot Zeisel about his process of becoming a group therapist as well as his recent work with the dramatic series "Group" . Their dynamic conversation explores some of the  obstacles Dr. Zeisel encountered in his career and the mentors who helped him navigate them. They also talk about some of the synchronicities that lead to his collaboration with French director Alexis Lloyd and how it was to improv with the "Group" cast . Check out their conversation today!

LINKS:
"Group" on YouTube - https://youtu.be/bzKmJoe_e2c
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

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- following us on Soundcloud
- subscribing on Itunes and leaving us a review
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22: Elliot Zeisel

In this episode, Angelo talks with Qiana Torres Flores about the intersection of cultural intentionality and spirituality in groups. The Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity at FCGPS, Qiana shares what it means to have a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds and how leaders can help their groups talk about difference. She also explores the “crunchy conversations” and hard questions that need to be asked within the organization to address what real inclusivity means. Finally, they talk about Qiana’s upcoming workshop with co-presenter Eve Wesson, “Reflections On Humanism, Spirituality, and Identity”. 

LINKS:
Registration info for "Reflections on Humanism, Spirituality, & Identity":
https://tinyurl.com/v58cccv5

Podcast Info
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider:
- following us on Soundcloud
- subscribing on Itunes and leaving us a review
- liking, commenting, and sharing!

23: Qiana Torres Flores

In this episode, Angelo speaks with Dr. Richard Billow & Dr. Tzachi Slonim about their new book "Changing Our Minds: Richard M. Billow's Selected Papers On Psychoanalysis And Group Process." Their lively conversation explores themes related to authenticity in the group leader, passion & 'catastrophic change', working with guilt & shame, and interaction as a gateway to uncovering. Check out it out today!

LINK:

Interested in the book? Check it out here:
https://tinyurl.com/unx96n5m

24: Richard Billow & Tzachi Slonim

In this episode, Angelo speaks with IAGP Pres. Richard Beck about his experience leading trauma groups across countries and cultures. They explore how group is currently being used to provide support to both Ukrainians and Russians as well as with climate scientists. They also talk about the international community within the IAGP and the upcoming conference in Pescara, Italy (July 21 - 24).

"Groups for the World - Strength, Inspiration, and Transformation"
registration link: https://iagp2022.com/

25: Richard Beck

In this episode, Angelo talks with Dr. Avgi Saketopoulou about her new book "Sexuality Beyond Consent: Risk, Race, & Traumatophilia"(2023). Their dynamic conversation explores new ways of thinking about trauma, its potentiating role in psychic life, the radicality of Jean Laplanche, and what it means to 'bend one's will', They also talk about how trauma intersects with eroticism, race, and forms of consent. Finally, they delve into 'exigent sadism' and its role in clinical life & artistic expression.
Links:
"Sexuality Beyond Consent: Risk, Race, and Traumatophilia"
https://nyupress.org/9781479820269/sexuality-beyond-consent/

"Slave Play" by Jeremy Harris
https://slaveplaybroadway.com/

26: Avgi Saketopoulou

In this thought-provoking interview, Angelo talks with Dr. Macario Giraldo about his pioneering approach to working with groups from a Lacanian perspective. Their conversation delves into the importance of not-understanding, the role of loss in becoming, and how to listen to both the dialogues "in" and "of" the group. They also explore the intriguing interplay between psychoanalysis & spirituality & what Macario calls "the Ethics of the Soul."

27: Macario Giraldo

In this episode, Angelo talks with Annie Weiss and Yoon Kane who, along with Saralyn Masselink, edited and contributed chapters to “Women, Intersectionality, and Power in Group Psychotherapy Leadership” (2022, Routledge). Their conversation explores how this project sought to address the conspicuous void in professional literature on the complex challenges women group leaders face and how such dilemmas can be understood & skillfully addressed. Intersectionality is also discussed as an organizing principle in the book’s illuminating investigation. Finally, both Yoon’s chapter “Courage to Lead: The Shadow of Racism on Women of Color Leading Psychotherapy Groups” and Annie’s chapter “Training Elastigirl: Developing Strength and Flexibility in Female Group Psychotherapists” are talked about in depth. Check out this incredibly thought-provoking conversation today!

Contributors:
Alexandra (Sasha) Watkins
Alexis D. Abernethy
Ali Kimmell
Annie C. Weiss
Britt Raphling
Elizabeth (Libby) Shapiro and Rachel Ginzberg
Ellen L. Wright
Janice M. Morris
Jeanne Bunker
Julie Anderson
Kavita Avula
Madeline Victore Stein
Nina W. Brown
Saralyn M. Masselink
Shemika M. Brooks
Susan P. Gantt
Yesel Yoon
Yoon Im Kane

Website Links:
YOON KANE
https://yoonkane.com/
http://www.mindful.nyc

ANNIE WEISS
http://www.annieweisstherapy.net/

"UNLOCK + EMPOWER YOUR WHOLE SELF
With Annie Weiss and Rimi Chakraborty"
https://www.minuvida.com/innerleader.html

BOOK LINK:
https://www.routledge.com/Women-Intersectionality-and-Power-in-Group-Psychotherapy-Leadership/Kane-Masselink-Weiss/p/book/9780367471644

28. "Women, Intersectionality, And Power In Group Leadership" w/ Yoon Kane & Annie Weiss

In this episode, Angelo talks with Dr. Nancy McWilliams about her new book "Psychoanalytic Supervision" (2022). Drawing from over 40 years of leading supervision groups, Dr. McWilliams shares her revolutionary approach to tracking therapeutic progress through ten "psychological vital signs"—a hopeful reframe that asks not just "Are they less depressed?" but "Are they more alive? More capable of love, work, and play?" Their rich conversation explores what makes group supervision uniquely powerful, how parallel process operates across multiple therapeutic relationships, and the art of creating safety where supervisees can present their most challenging cases. They also discuss the development of an "internal supervisor" and what it means to shift from symptom-focused thinking to tracking deeper capacities for human flourishing. Finally, Dr. McWilliams reflects on nearly five decades practicing psychotherapy and shares what gives her the most hope about the future of therapeutic work.

Links:
"Psychoanalytic Supervision" (2022) https://tinyurl.com/43tnbf9b

29. Nancy McWilliams

In this episode, Angelo talks with Dr. Carlos Canales about his transformative journey from Peru to becoming a pioneering voice in somatic group therapy. Dr. Canales shares how his experience of separation and cultural displacement in early life shaped his innovative integration of Somatic Experiencing with group psychotherapy. Their conversation explores what it means to be truly grounded, how our bodies hold both individual and collective trauma, and why attending to physiological responses deepens rather than diminishes group intensity. Dr. Canales offers powerful insights about cultural difference in groups and demonstrates how recognizing and regulating the body creates space for genuine connection—wisdom born from finding belonging between worlds. Throughout, he makes a compelling case for why attachment theory must evolve to address how our bodies carry culture, while sharing his vision for a future of group therapy that integrates generosity and play alongside rigorous clinical work.

30. Carlos Canales

In our first episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch we interview the President of the Colorado Group Psychotherapy Society, Marc Azoulay. This interview runs the gamut of topics from addiction recovery to mindfulness to motivation and goal setting. 

1: Marc Azoulay

This month on the Group Dynamics Dispatch we were incredibly fortunate to interview Dr. Elizabeth A. Olson, Psy.D., L.C.S.W.!

Drawing from years of experience and broad spectrum of training, Dr. Olson speaks with unique clarity about both the therapeutic process and the singular opportunity group psychotherapy offers for meeting the repetition compulsion head on.

Steeped in both Modern Psychoanalysis as well as Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Dr. Olson is sure to challenge and inspire you to think in new ways about your own group experience.

2: Elizabeth Olson

In this month's episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch Angelo interviews Philip Horner LCSW, CGP. Philip speaks about how to work with white privilege as a group leader and how to be an effective ally. He shares his own personal story and struggles with privilege and presents some tangible ideas and solutions for moving forward.

3: Phillip Horner

In this month's episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch Angelo interviews Gaea Logan MS, LPC, FAGPA.  Gaea talks about growing up in a psychologically savvy household, what her personal philosophy is on group dynamics, and how group treatment can serve refugee communities around the world.

4: Gaea Logan

Join us this week on the Group Dynamics Dispatch for a conversation with Bob Unger. Bob tells the story of how went from driving a cab in New York while in school for engineering, to working with some of the most preeminent names in the field of group work. Bob also talks about his personal view on group work and how process groups compare to supervision groups.

5: Bob Unger

Join us this week on the Group Dynamics Dispatch for a conversation with Jenna Noah.  Jenna tells us how she found her niche in the therapy field while discussing sexuality, embodiment, and Conscious Burlesque.

6: Jenna Noah

In this in-depth interview with Sorin Thomas & Brett Adamek from Queer Asterisk, we explore difference of all kinds as something to be celebrated & encouraged rather than feared and rejected. Topics within the interview include what is meant by the word “queer”, the importance of being open to discomfort & ambiguity, the Contemplative dimension of identity, and working with queer-ness as a group leader.

7: Brett Adamek and Sorin Thomas from Queer Asterisk

Check out the Group Dynamic Dispatch’s newest episode with Dr. Lucy Holmes, this year’s Keynote Speaker at the COGPS Annual Conference! In this episode, Dr. Holmes and Angelo Ciliberti dive into a series of fascinating discussions; including the story behind her inspiring 40 year career, impressions of the group leader’s gender on the process, and how time & experience change us as clinicians. Listen, enjoy, and get your ticket to see her in person at our upcoming conference

8: Lucy Holmes

In the newest episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch, Jeff Price shares inspiring insights from his career as a contemplatively minded group psychotherapist. From addressing how he approach resistances in substance abuse groups to the power of AGPA as a professional home affiliation, Jeff offers helpful guidance to new group leaders. Check out this enlivening conversation with the former president of COGPS!

9: Jeff Price

In the newest episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo talks with Hilary Callan Curtis about how her overlapping training experiences in Contemplative Psychotherapy, Modern Analysis, and years of body practice have shaped her as a clinician and an agent of change. In preparation for their upcoming presentation together at the COGPS conference, they also discuss the unconscious drive towards forms of zealotry in clinical practice and how working with the body and groups has the ability to dissolve rigidity.

10: Hilary Callan Curtis

In the newest episode of The Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo talks with Dr. Robert Pepper about his new book ‘Some People Don’t Want What They Say They Want - 100 Unconventional Interventions In Group Therapy.’ This engaging hour is filled with rich stories from Dr. Pepper’s 40 year career as well as exploratory dives into themes of working with ambivalence, aggression, guilt, and the ethical needs of a secure frame for both the leader and the members.

11: Robert Pepper

In the newest episode of The Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo interviews Jordan Price, a psychotherapist and group analyst from Austin. The interview explores how Jordan’s keen interest in the realm of the pre-verbal, implicit experiences influences his work as a clinician. Additional topics include how he draws on his experience as a musician and bow-hunter to appreciate and engage different ways of sensing, attuning, immersing, and entering. This is a very dynamic and evocative conversation that is not to be missed!

12: Jordan Price

In this episode of The Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo talks with Dr. Jason Seidel from the Colorado Center For Clinical Excellence. This wide-ranging interview explores the ways in which Dr. Seidel’s group leadership has been influenced by personal clinical experience, the psychodrama exercises of the men’s movement, and the development feedback informed treatment.

13: Jason Seidel

In this landmark interview,  FCGPS’s Angelo Ciliberti speaks with the perennial Dr. Irvin Yalom about his 50 year spanning career as a group psychotherapist, writer, and mentor to generations of mental health practitioners. Their conversation explores what it is about the group experience that has engaged him for so many years, the unique opportunity it presents for addressing existential issues, and how group can be a forum to help us work through the broader social dilemmas of our current society. This one is not to be missed so give it a listen today!

LINKS:
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

14: Irvin D. Yalom

In the newest episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo talks with Dr. Brian Rothberg, he is the Director of the UCHealth Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic and a member of the department of psychiatry. This compelling and informative interview spans a variety of important topics including current trends in using experiential group learning to train psychiatrists, applying a group lens to organizational dynamics, and diversifying group offerings in public mental health clinics. Pull up a seat and have a listen!

15: Brian Rothberg

In the newest episode of the Group Dynamic’s Dispatch Angelo talks with Dr. Marcée Turner, the upcoming keynote speaker for the FCGPS Conference. If you are interested in learning ways of appreciating and addressing issues of difference in your groups, this conversation is a must! The interview focuses on progressive ways we can facilitate dialogue as group leaders, subverting myths that perpetuate disconnection, and the role of self-compassion & ongoing learning in our development as culturally competent clinicians. We hope you enjoy this important conversation!

16: Marcée Turner

In the newest Group Dynamics Dispatch podcast, Angelo speaks with Dr. Larry Mortazavi about his perspective and approach running psychoanalytic process groups. Covering a wide range of topics, from the use of interpretation in groups to playful exercises for developing cohesion, this interview is as engaging as it is informative. Give it a listen today!

LINKS:
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

17: Larry Mortazavi

In the newest episode of The Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo speaks with Dr. Aaron Black about how attachment theory enables group leaders to make interventions that are developmentally attuned and informed. This wide-ranging interview explores some of the most engaging topics discussed in the field today; from the nature of insecure self-states and the attachment background of the therapist to the role of dreams in unfolding the group process.

LINKS:
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

18: Aaron Black

In the newest episode of The Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo speaks with Dr. Maria Riva, the upcoming keynote presenter at the FCGPS conference ‘The Stories Within: Working With Unspoken Material In Group Psychotherapy”. Dr. Riva shares her passion for teaching the next generation of group leaders in her role as Training Director for University Of Denver’s Counseling Psychology Program. This rich conversation blends her research findings on group effectiveness for community & agency settings with enlivening stories from her own experiences teaching and leading groups. We invite you to listen and enjoy today!

LINKS:
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

19: Maria Riva

In the newest episode, Angelo speaks with Dr. Ronnie Levine about the key questions and insights that have animated her career over 35 years. Their lively conversation explores Dr. Levine’s early influences, her fascination with primitive emotional communication, and ‘the endless possibilities’ that come with having all of our feelings. They also talk about her perspective as a group analyst on the 2016 election and some of her new ideas as she surveys the current political climate. Check out their conversation today!

LINKS:
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider:
- following us on Soundcloud
- subscribing on Itunes and leaving us a review
- liking, commenting, and sharing!

20: Ronnie Levine

In the newest episode of the Group Dynamics Dispatch, Angelo speaks with therapist and author Teri Dillion about her experience living and learning from ALS. 

Their moving conversation explores the nature of grief and the powerful life lessons that it reveals when met with companionship, witnessing, and a healthy dose of humor. 

Teri also shares the profound & sustaining meaning that emerged from writing her memoir, “No Pressure, No Diamonds: Mining For Gifts In Illness & Loss”.

Listen in to this powerful conversation today!

SHOW NOTES:
Teri's website: https://www.teridillion.com/

If you enjoyed the podcast, please consider:
- following us on Soundcloud
- subscribing on Itunes and leaving us a review
- liking, commenting, and sharing!

LINKS:
organization: FCGPS.org
host: angelociliberti.com

The Group Dynamics Dispatch

21: Teri Dillion

Interested in Group? My name is Angelo, and I am excited to share these conversations that explore what it means to live and grow within groups - from our early lives to our professional role as leaders. In these episodes, you will hear from some of the key figures practicing and writing about group dynamics from around the country and the world. It’s my hope that these dialogues will inform and challenge - so that we can all learn more about the vitalization that can occur through rich emotional engagement in group.

The Group Dynamics Dispatch

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