2011 – 2012 Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association

1. 2011 – 2012 Canadian Group Psychotherapy Association President’s Report Jackie Kinley

2. If we are to work together more intelligently, we will need to choseprocesses that evoke our curiosity, humility,generosity and wisdom. The ultimate benefit isthat we learn that it is good, once again, towork together.                                                         ~Meg Wheatley

3. Why we need to exist • We are biologically primed to connect to others; our survival depends on it • People exist in a state of inter connectedness. • People experience connection in unique ways and to differing degrees • The health of our relationships, and our social matrix, determines our mental health and collective well being • Our leaders in health care, and our communities, play a vital role in maintaining our shared productivity, collective sense of belonging and overall societal well being • Together we are more

4. Vision and Mission Vision: We work to create public awareness about the merits of group processes and therapy in Canada, and become the primary resource for expertise, education and networking in the field. Mission: To provide Canada-wide accessible expertise, education and networking resources to students and professionals interested in group processes and therapy. Goals: Create an open environment and act as a central communication source providing: • Educational training programs and networking conferences pertaining to group therapy and processes. • Networking, mentorship and communication forums for open discussions on group therapy and processes. • An online hub for resources and discussions on current practices in group therapy and processes. • A bridge to universities, residencies, health centres and hospitals to educate about the value of group therapy and processes.

5. There is no question that change is happening at an astonishing pace and modern organizations must rise to the challenge of adapting to the evolving needs of our complex society. CGPA is no exception. • As we move forward, we will need to hold in our awareness our core beliefs, which include an expanded awareness of the possibilities that lie ahead, recognizing the application of group processes as existing on a continuum, ranging from clinical to non-clinical, structured to unstructured, and traditional to non-traditional.

6. Core Values Respect Diversity Accessibility Responsiveness Sustainability

7. Guiding Principles (adopted at AGM 2011) 1. We understand a group to mean more than just a collection of individuals but an entity in and of itself operating from a shared purpose or common intention. This may be task related or a commitment to reflecting on their process for the purpose of personal growth. 2. We recognize the immense value of working in the group format because of the availability of multi perspectives and the synergy created through the activation of therapeutic factors unavailable in the individual context. 3. We acknowledge the relevance and centrality of unconscious processes (both individual and collective) in the life of all groups. 4. We understand that there are external factors that impact on groups and the individuals within them, including but not limited to cultural, sociopolitical, ethnic, and economic factors. 5. We contextualize possible applications of group knowledge as existing on a continuum from: • Clinical to non-clinical • Structured to unstructured • Traditional to non-traditional 6. We recognize the value of group therapy as well as group counseling and non-clinical applications of this knowledge (i.e. clinical practice, training, education, research, social activism and consultancy

8. AGM 2011 Calgary

9. The Year in Reviewin development Programs • New Training Opportunities in Group Leadership and Process Facilitation, Supervision, Mentorship Services • New opportunities for Financial support for Communities of Practice, Individualized Workshops, Annual Conference, Organizational Consultation, Resiliency programs and support groups for providers, On Site Presentations, Community and Public Education on Demand, Newsletter: In The Loop, Communication forum, On Line Directory for therapist and supervisors, Library Materials and Resources, Research support Products • Working to develop Course Syllabus & On line store

10. Communities of Practice • Despite the trend towards local section closures, we remain confident that our commitment to building a strong National infrastructure will ensure that going forward we're much better positioned to support local initiatives, and communities of practice as they emerge or reemerge across the country. • The group can evolve naturally because of the members' common interest in a particular domain or area, or it can be created specifically with the goal of gaining knowledge related to their field. It is through the process of sharing information and experiences with the group that the members learn from each other, and have an opportunity to develop themselves personally and professionally

11. New communication Strategies • Teleconferencing • Website Redesign • In the Loop • Forums

12. Redesigning our Website First steps: • Membership renewal on line • Conference registration on line

13. New partnerships meetings with international and other colleagues committed to group development around the globe CGPA president Jackie Kinley Jorge Burmeister (president IAGP) AGPA 2012

14. Important Working Groups • The By Laws Committee reviewed our structure and proposed changes, please review this document, and the presentation of the committee, on our website! • The National Training Committee worked to develop our National Training program, please review this document, and the presentation of the committee, on our website!

15. In order to achieve the ongoing success of CGPA, and achieve the promise of group in Canada, we need to remain unified as a group ourselves with a clear vision and focused energies. • We are counting on your support as we embark on this exciting period of transition and renewal. THANK YOU ! • Jackie Kinley