Dear IARPP Friends and Colleagues,
I am happy to share with you some news about the emergence of the new IARPP Special Interest Group intended to serve as an umbrella for members with a practice and/or theoretical interest in relational psychoanalytic ideas regarding Couples, Families and Groups.
Many of us work in accordance with relational psychoanalytic ideas that are not restricted to individual patients. In particular, the work that has been done in group therapy from a relational point of view has been massive. In addition to conducting individual treatments, I have been working with groups and couples for 17 years, and I think this is the proper time for the ideas of other modalities to influence each other and provide an intersubjective ‘meeting of minds.’
I am thrilled to tell you of the IARPP members who are joining the CFG Special Interest Group. I am glad that Haim Weinberg (USA), a colleague specially focused on internet group therapy, will serve on the group’s steering committee. Gila Ofer (Israel), a long-time IARPP member and Founding Member of the Israeli Institute of Group Analysis, will help us with her expertise in group analysis, among other modalities. Cheryl Karter (USA) will contribute a group perspective from her specialized work with liver transplant patients and their caregivers, as well as her collaborative work with the legal teams of ProBAR in serving detained immigrant on the Texas border. Jana Edwards (USA) joins us with her creative project, ‘Neurodynamic Couples Therapy.’ Cristina Bonucci and Rosetta Castellano (both of Italy) will expand our view regarding couples therapies. Mary Joan Gerson (USA) also will offer her valuable input regarding couples and family therapies. Many other colleagues as well have initiated interest in joining the CFG group.
As per usual, this group will organize further development on relevant issues, present representative ideas at IARPP conferences, webinars, etc. We intend to maintain a vibrant network to learn from each other, elaborate further innovative ideas and create an intersectional, multicultural and egalitarian exchange.
Please do not hesitate to contact me at catinstitutedirector[ @] gmail.com and our supportive President, Dr. Steven Kuchuck, at stevenkuchuck [@] gmail.com should you wish to register with the CFG IARPP Special Interest Group.
Regards,
Stavros Charalambides, IARPP Board Member
Institute for Relational and Group Psychotherapy, Greece, Director
