Learning to Love Groups

Outline:
Section 1: Introductions A. Presenter Introductions B. Presentation Overview Section 2: Learning to Love Groups A. Why Groups? Much to Love B. Why Don’t We Always Love Groups? C. Types of Groups Section 3: Theme Centered Groups A. Key Concept in Theme Centered Groups B. The I-WE-IT Balance C. A Dynamic Balance D. Conducting Purposeful and Effective Groups is Challenging E. How to Avoid These Pitfalls Section 4: Factors to Consider when Using Groups A. Principles of Adult Education B. Principles of Informed and Shared Decision Making C. Groups and Individualized Groups D. Good Ground Rules Help E. Ground Rules are Not Enough Section 5: Theme Centered Group Formats A. The MPTSTPGPP Model B. The ROPES Framework C. ROPES and the MPTSTPGPP Model D. Beginning: Review and Overview E. Middle: Presentation F. Exercise G. Summary H. Role of Supervision to Promote Effective Groups Section 6: Conclusion A. Contacts B. Congratulations!

Anthony J. Salerno, Ph.D. is a New York State licensed psychologist with over 30 years of public mental health experience in inpatient and outpatient settings in New York State. He holds a faculty position in the Department of Psychiatry at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and is currently a faculty member of the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at the Silver School of Social Work at New York University. Dr. Salerno has extensive experience in assisting public mental health programs serving impoverished population to adapt, adopt and sustain evidence informed practices such as Wellness Self Management and Family Psycho-Education. Dr. Salerno has specialized in the creation of easily accessible and practical tools and resources to support administrators, supervisors and mental health practitioners in the provision of quality services, especially those delivered in group modalities. As a senior consultant with the National Council, Dr. Salerno also provides guidance on the design and implementation of learning communities focused on the integration of behavioral health and primary care services as well as assisting organizations to adopt and sustain the principles and practices of trauma informed care. Disclosure: Anthony J. Salerno, PhD has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.

Karen Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Director of Trauma-Informed Services at the National Council for Behavioral Health, has over 19 years of clinical and administrative experience in child welfare and community-based mental health. She joined the National Council in April 2014 after working at SaintA in Milwaukee in numerous roles, the most recent being the Division Director of Community Services. While at SaintA Karen became certified in the ChildTrauma Academy’s Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and was integrally involved in SaintA’s journey to become a more trauma-informed organization. Karen spearheaded the development and implementation of housing and supportive services for former foster youth and worked to strengthen systems serving this vulnerable population. Karen is also the parent of an adult child with severe and chronic mental illness. With her joined professional and lived experiences, Karen brings a distinct perspective to mental health and addiction disorders work and is passionate about helping to move organizations towards trauma-informed approaches. Disclosure: Karen Johnson, MSW, LCSW has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.