The National Group Psychotherapy Institute (NGPI) of the New Washington School of Psychiatry (NWSP)
Basic Principles of Group Therapy
Date: Sunday, August 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Location: Virtual Online via Zoom
CE pending
Program Description:
This course is modeled on the Core Course of Group Psychotherapy designed by the American Group Psychotherapy Association. Upon its completion, participants will have met the core course requirement of the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapy which is one of the requirements for becoming a certified group therapist. Class discussion will include didactic, experiential and discussion components, utilizing the clinical experiences of participants. Active engagement in these discussions is expected. The workshop is intended for psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, physicians, medical students, and other graduate students. This is an opportunity for professionals who would like to start psychotherapy groups or experienced group therapists who need the 15 clock hours of didactic learning to get certified as group psychotherapist.
Learning Objectives
By the conclusion of the conference, participants will be able to:
Discuss the basic principles of group psychotherapy as described by the American group psychotherapy Association and the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists.
Describe the application of the foundations of group psychotherapy to clinical situations
Summarize the processes for selection and preparation of group members.
Identify common problems in the conduct of group therapy and ways to successfully manage them
List common group dynamics.
Discuss the change process in the group.
List the advanced skills needed to optimize group psychotherapy.
Discuss differences in specialized groups, short-term, thematic, special populations.
Explain the life cycle of group and termination issues.
List the qualities of effective group leaders.
Identify the resistance to treatment in groups.
Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity and multicultural issues in group psychotherapy.
Registration closes July 31, 2026 at noon ET.
