Studying Connection: Exploring the Contact Function in Modern Group

Discovering how clients initiate and maintain connections is fundamental to Modern Analytic Theory. Analysts explore how patients establish or avoid contact with their analyst, and assess the depth and duration of these connections—the core of the contact function. This understanding serves as a diagnostic tool and also helps analysts determine the optimal level of engagement that patients can handle without feeling overwhelmed. This workshop will integrate didactic learning, small and large group discussions, a demonstration group, and is designed to introduce clinicians to the contact function and illustrate its practical application in therapeutic practice.

3.75 CE credits for attendance.

Objectives:

1. Define the following concepts: The contact function, object oriented questions, progressive emotional communication
2. Distinguish between clients that are operating from a narcissistic or object orientation
3. Learn to utilize the contact function to attune to a client’s stimulation threshold
4. Identify how the contact function can be used to track a client’s maturational progress

Presenter:

Ryan Spencer is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Austin, Texas, and also licensed in California and Colorado. He is passionate about working with groups and leads both process and training/consultation groups to foster insight, healing, sturdiness, and connection. As a Certified Group Psychotherapist and a Fellow of the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Ryan is dedicated to advancing the fi eld of group therapy. He has held leadership positions on the boards of the Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles, the Austin Group Psychotherapy Society, and the American Group Psychotherapy Association.

Target Audience: Psychologists, MFT’s, LCSW, other non-mental health professionals

Instructional Level: Intermediate

The Group Psychotherapy Association of Los Angeles (GPALA) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. GPALA maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

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