Group Dynamics Dispatch

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.

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

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

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."

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/

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/

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

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!

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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!

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

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.

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!

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.