Upcoming Events
2025 Fall Conference
Working with Social Oppression in Psychotherapy:
Adaptations of Theory and Technique
Presenter: Ellen L. Wright, Ph.D.
September 27th & 28th, 2025
Adaptations of Theory and Technique
Presenter: Ellen L. Wright, Ph.D.
September 27th & 28th, 2025
PENDING 6.25 NYSED CEUs are provided by the UB School of Social Work Office of Continuing Education. 6.25 live in-person contact hours are approved for LMSW/LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, LCAT, and PSY. Full attendance is required; no partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance.
Workshop Description
Addressing social oppression in group therapy requires leaders to move beyond traditional developmental theory. Examining the limitations of Modern Psychoanalytic (MA) theory is essential when social hierarchy and power dynamics emerge. Leaders must help the group experience and work through the dynamics of oppressive societal power before attending to developmental concerns. This transition from a developmental to a societal lens can cause anxiety for leaders comfortable in a parental role with healing intentions. This workshop proposes modifications to MA theory and technique to improve group leader’s ability to address transference and countertransference related to social oppression. Specific modifications will include changes to the definition of resistance and the group agreement, the contact function, and the use of self-disclosure for addressing microaggressions and unique countertransference challenges. Clinical examples will illustrate the resolution of difficult social enactments.
Addressing social oppression in group therapy requires leaders to move beyond traditional developmental theory. Examining the limitations of Modern Psychoanalytic (MA) theory is essential when social hierarchy and power dynamics emerge. Leaders must help the group experience and work through the dynamics of oppressive societal power before attending to developmental concerns. This transition from a developmental to a societal lens can cause anxiety for leaders comfortable in a parental role with healing intentions. This workshop proposes modifications to MA theory and technique to improve group leader’s ability to address transference and countertransference related to social oppression. Specific modifications will include changes to the definition of resistance and the group agreement, the contact function, and the use of self-disclosure for addressing microaggressions and unique countertransference challenges. Clinical examples will illustrate the resolution of difficult social enactments.
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Ellen L. Wright, Ph.D. is a licensed Psychologist and Psychoanalyst in private practice in Philadelphia. She is a founder and faculty member at the Center for Group Studies in New York City and a Supervising and Training Analyst at the Philadelphia School of Psychoanalysis and the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis in Los Angeles.
Dr. Wright lectures nationally and internationally and authored papers on innovative applications of psychoanalytic techniques. Dr. Wright delivered the Ormont Lecture at the American Group Psychotherapy Conference in March of 2023, the title of which was “Humility and Transparency in the Group Leader.” Her recent publications include, “Redefining Female Power: The Myth of the Selfless Therapist,” found in Women, Intersectionality, and Power in Group Psychotherapy Leadership, and co-authored “Modern psychoanalytic group therapy online: Adaptations of theory and technique,” with Aaron Black published in The Virtual Group Therapy Circle. She and Dr. Janice Morris, co-authored “The Therapeutic Use of the Valuing Self in Working with Countertransference” (in press). www.drellenwright.com |
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Schedule of Events
Full-Day Workshop
Saturday, September 27th, 2025 | 9am - 5pm
First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 S Winton Road Rochester, NY
8:15 - 9:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast (Breakfast Included)
9:00 - 12:00 p.m. Morning Portion
12:00 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch Break (Step out for lunch or bring your own bag lunch and stay onsite to eat)
1:45 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Portion
Join us for an informal happy hour for additional networking and socializing opportunities at Lila’s (101 S Union St).
Sunday Consultation Group
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am
1577 South Avenue Rochester, NY
A 90-minute, small group, experiential training to deepen exploration of the conference themes with our presenter.
Full-Day Workshop
Saturday, September 27th, 2025 | 9am - 5pm
First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 S Winton Road Rochester, NY
8:15 - 9:00 a.m. Registration and Breakfast (Breakfast Included)
9:00 - 12:00 p.m. Morning Portion
12:00 - 1:45 p.m. Lunch Break (Step out for lunch or bring your own bag lunch and stay onsite to eat)
1:45 - 5:00 p.m. Afternoon Portion
Join us for an informal happy hour for additional networking and socializing opportunities at Lila’s (101 S Union St).
Sunday Consultation Group
Sunday, September 28th, 2025 | 10:00am - 11:30am
1577 South Avenue Rochester, NY
A 90-minute, small group, experiential training to deepen exploration of the conference themes with our presenter.
Fees
Full-Day Workshop
Standard rate: $180
Agency rate: $120 *
Student rate: $40 **
* This discount may be used by anyone working in a non-profit setting.
** This discount may be used by anyone who is currently enrolled in a degree program.
Consultation Group
All participants: $70
No refunds issued after September 25th, 2025.
Onsite registration is available.
Full-Day Workshop
Standard rate: $180
Agency rate: $120 *
Student rate: $40 **
* This discount may be used by anyone working in a non-profit setting.
** This discount may be used by anyone who is currently enrolled in a degree program.
Consultation Group
All participants: $70
No refunds issued after September 25th, 2025.
Onsite registration is available.