Why Group?: The Origins and Evolution of Group Therapy Practice

The National Group Psychotherapy Institute (NGPI) of the New Washington School of Psychiatry (NWSP)

has now opened registration for individuals interested in single-weekend participation for its award-winning, 2-year Intensive Training Program, Group Therapy in the 21st Century: Dynamics, Identities, Hope and Healing

Why Group?: The Origins and Evolution of Group Therapy Practice

Co-Chairs: NGPI Steering Committee

Co-Speakers: NGPI Faculty

Date: October 23-24, 2026

Time: Friday - 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (to be finalized)

Location: Friends Meeting House of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl NW, Washington, DC 20008, In-Person Only

CE/CMEs Pending

Space is limited

Program Description: 

Some might say that in individual therapy, people talk about the challenges in their lives, whereas in group therapy, those challenges come to life through the interactions with other group members in the here-and-now. This conference, the first in a cycle of six programs over two years, will highlight the origins and distinctive healing powers of psychodynamic group treatment. Our experiential approach to training group therapists in the 21st century emphasizes an integration of developmental and sociocultural perspectives. Through interactive plenaries, small process groups, and large group encounters - three learning formats that will be used throughout the cycle - attendees will experience and explore how developmental and sociocultural forces shape group dynamics and can be harnessed by effective group leaders to transform members and complement individual work.

Learning Objectives

By the conclusion of the conference, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the historical origins of contemporary group psychotherapy.
• Name three ways group therapy differs from individual therapy.
• Identify three therapeutic factors specific to group therapy.
• Describe how large group dynamics show up in therapy groups.

Registration closes October 22, 2026 at noon ET.

Space is limited.