The Northeastern Society for Group Psychotherapy Training Program is a concentrated, psychodynamically oriented training program designed to accommodate therapists in clinics, agencies, and private practice. The training is structured to provide a foundation of competency in conducting both long-term and time-limited group therapy. The training program consists of a series of two-day weekend courses, a weekly experiential group, two days attendance at the Annual NSGP Conference, and regular preceptor meetings. Saturday courses are primarily didactic. Sunday courses are primarily group role play informed by Saturday's topic. Certificates are awarded upon completion of the program.


Please see our training brochure (PDF) for a complete listing of training dates and faculty. Individual course objectives are listed on the 2008-09 training application (PDF).

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The Program

Competence as a group therapist requires special knowledge and skills. In-depth learning and experiences essential for group leadership are not often available in the course of mental health training. More than thirty years ago NSGP created a program to train group therapists. This nationally recognized program offers both didactic and experiential training in group psychotherapy. The NSGP Training Program has four fundamental components: experiential group membership, didactic and role play weekends, conference participation and mentoring through preceptor relationships. Professionals from a wide variety of work settings and experience levels participate. Students may choose to complete the entire program or attend selected courses. A certificate is awarded upon completion of all requirements for the one-year program.


Tuition

The tuition is $1,700 for NSGP members and $1,900 for non-members. The tuition covers courses, preceptor meetings and the experiential group. Additional fees may apply, and registration costs for the June conference are not included.


Eligibility and Application

All mental health professionals in the New England states are invited to apply. Applicants will be interviewed upon receipt of an application. If interested in additional information, please call NSGP at (617) 484-4994 or send an email to groups@nsgp.com.


Training Groups

In the training year, students participate in a weekly experiential training group to learn the basics of group leadership and group dynamics.


Courses

Every other month course weekends will include a day of didactic teaching and a day of role play. Weekend topics are:
   ▪ Foundations of Group Therapy
   ▪ Group Dynamics
   ▪ The Change Process in Groups
   ▪ The Role of the Leader
   ▪ Structured, and Thematic Treatment Groups


Preceptor meetings

Meeting with a preceptor is a special feature of this program. Preceptors are senior members of NSGP who can discuss professional development issues related to training as a group psychotherapist. Preceptors also serve as a liaison between the Training Committee and students.


Conference

As a part of the Training Program, two full days of attendance are required at the NSGP annual June conference.