SIGs are Special Interest Groups established by HGPS for mental health professionals who share a common interest in a specific area of group psychotherapy. SIGs allow like-minded group psychotherapists to share ideas and strengthen their knowledge through interaction with their colleagues. SIGs vary in size, structure and activity level, but each is open to all interested members.
For more information about joining or creating a SIG, please contact Phuong Nguyen, LMSW, LCDC-I, RN at phuong.nguyen.chase@gmail.com.
The types of SIGs available include the following:
ADDICTION AND RECOVERY SIG: The HGPS Addiction and Recovery Special Interest Group (SIG) is a community that supports addiction treatment and recovery professionals. This SIG provides a platform for members to share knowledge, experiences, and resources related to addiction and the recovery journey. The group aims to foster collaboration, advocacy, and innovation in addressing the complex challenges associated with addiction.
The group will meet monthly (virtually) on the 4th Thursday of every month at 7:00-8:30 pm.
Within the Addiction and Recovery SIG, members engage in various activities such as:
- Peer Support and Networking: Members can connect with peers with similar interests and experiences through networking events, online forums, and support groups. They can exchange ideas, seek advice, and provide mutual support in their respective roles within the addiction field.
- Advocacy and Awareness: The SIG is actively involved in advocacy efforts to raise awareness about addiction-related issues, reduce stigma, and promote policies that support prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives. Members may participate in advocacy campaigns, public awareness events, and local, national, and international policy discussions.
- Professional Development: The SIG supports its members’ professional growth and development through mentorship and continuing education.
Overall, the Addiction and Recovery Special Interest Group provides a supportive and inclusive community for individuals passionate about addressing addiction and promoting recovery. The SIG strives to positively impact individuals, families, and communities affected by addiction by fostering collaboration, education, and advocacy. Contact Phuong Nguyen, LMSW, LCDC, RN, at phuong.nguyen.chase@gmail.com or Paul Caluscos, LCSW, at paul@thewellnest.com
TRAUMA SIG: The HGPS Trauma Special Interest Group (SIG) is a community of dedicated therapists and mental health professionals who come together to deepen their understanding of trauma and its effects and enhance their skills in providing trauma-informed care and support. Trauma, in its many forms, can profoundly impact individuals’ lives, influencing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The HGPS Trauma SIG offers a collaborative space for therapists to explore best practices, share resources, and support one another in their work with trauma survivors.
The HGPS Trauma SIG meets in person (sometimes hybrid when necessary) on the first Thursday of every other month. One of the highlights of our SIG meetings is our regular book reading sessions, where members collectively explore literature relevant to trauma therapy and recovery. These book readings provide therapists with a structured yet informal platform to delve into key concepts, therapeutic approaches, and real-world case studies depicted in various texts.
In addition to our book reading sessions, our SIG meetings may include presentations by case consultations, experiential exercises, and updates on relevant research and resources in trauma therapy. Together, we strive to create a supportive and enriching environment where therapists can grow personally and professionally in their work with trauma survivors. Contact Jana Rosenbaum, LCSW, CGP, AGPA-F at jana@janarosenbaum.com or Phuong Nguyen, LMSW, LCDC, RN, at phuong.nguyen.chase@gmail.com.
ECOTHERAPY SIG: Welcome to the Ecotherapy Special Interest Group (ESIG), where we embrace nature’s healing power and profound impact on mental health and well-being. Our group is dedicated to exploring and promoting ecotherapy, also known as nature or green therapy, as a powerful adjunct to traditional therapeutic approaches.
ESIG is committed to advancing the understanding and application of ecotherapy principles in therapeutic settings. Our mission is to cultivate a community of mental health professionals, researchers, educators, and nature enthusiasts who recognize the intrinsic connection between human health and the natural world. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we aim to integrate ecotherapy into mainstream mental health care and promote its benefits for individuals, communities, and the planet.
HGPS ESIG meets every other month for a Hike ‘n Learn and once seasonally for an outdoor educational experience. For more information, contact Sonia Albin at sonia@kiteecotherapy.com.
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEM (IFS) SIG: The HGPS Internal Family System (IFS) Special Interest Group (SIG) is a forum for those interested in incorporating Internal Family Systems therapy in their clinical practice. It aims to create a safe space for learning, case consultation, and connection through the lens of IFS. Members are invited to speak for their parts, develop a deeper understanding of their parts, and explore how they show up in sessions. Contact Co-Chairs Nina Tahija, LCSW (ntahija@councilonrecovery.org
IFS is a powerful approach to psychotherapy developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, which views the mind as a collection of different sub-personalities or “parts.” These parts hold unique beliefs, emotions, and motivations, and through the IFS framework, individuals learn to cultivate self-awareness, compassion, and healing by befriending and integrating these parts.
Members can:
- Engage in lively discussions: Share your experiences, insights, and questions about applying IFS in therapeutic settings, personal development, and beyond.
- Foster connection and collaboration: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for IFS.
- Receive support and guidance: our community is here to offer support, encouragement, and advice every step of the way.
Join us in exploring Internal Family Systems in your practice.
SOMATIC BASED PRACTICES SIG: The HGPS Somatic Based Practices Special Interest Group (SIG) is a forum for those interested in incorporating Somatic Based Practices into the work practitioners do with clients. We will explore, discuss, share knowledge, consult and experiment with various forms of Somatic based practices. This includes Somatic Experiencing, Brainspotting, EMDR, Hakomi, Somatic Implicit therapies, Somatic Movement practices, Boundary repair practices, Integral Somatic Psychology, and more. Through Somatic social engagement systems, we aim to create a safe space for learning, case consultation, and connection through the lens of Somatic practices.
Members are invited to be open, curious, willing to explore, and share knowledge. Our first connection time will be Friday August 30, 2024 from 1-3pm at GCCS event room-5959 West Loop South, Ste. 430 Bellaire Tx 77401. Contact: Jeanna Gomez, LCSW, LADAC, CPC, SEP, BASE-P Somatic Experiencing International (SEI) Faculty. Contact information: 713-660-0776 or letstalk@gomezcounselingconsulting.com.
Members can:
- Share your experiences, insights, and questions about applying Somatic Based practices in health and mental health settings, therapeutic settings, personal development, and beyond.
- Increase your knowledge and understanding about Somatic based practices and explore applying them to your practice 3. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion with Somatic based practices
- Receive support and guidance through consultation, encouragement, experiential practice.
- Earn CEU’s for scheduled professional presentations by Somatic Practitioners in the field.
DIVERSITY, INTERSECTIONALITY, AND BELONGING SIG: The HGPS Diversity, Intersectionality, and Belonging Special Interest Group (SIG) is a community of dedicated therapists and mental health professionals who come together to share, celebrate, and better understand themselves and their clients. Diversity, intersectionality, and belonging are all interrelated facets that comprise and impact individuals’ lives, influencing their mental, emotional, and physical well-being. The HGPS Diversity, Intersectionality, and Belonging SIG offers a collaborative and welcoming space for therapists to explore their identities, discuss best practices, share resources, and support one another in their work with clients through a diverse and whole lens.
The HGPS Diversity, Intersectionality, and Belonging SIG meets online (may have in-person meetings at times) monthly on Fridays (may change depending on attendance). SIG meetings may include presentations by clinicians who are well-versed in this topic, peer case consultations, experiential exercises, and discussions about books and leading research in the field. Through the SIG, we hope to provide therapists insight into issues of diversity, intersectionality, and belonging, as well as how they impact therapists and their clients, and create an environment where growth is garnered.
For more information, contact Ramsha Momin at ramsha.sw@gmail.com.
First meeting: Friday, May 2nd at 11 am. We will plan on “breaking the ice” in this group by engaging in open discussion with one another regarding what it feels like exploring issues of diversity, intersectionality, and belonging in today’s day and age, how this issue impacts us and our practices, and what we need from this SIG. The hope is to provide a space for clinicians to come together to feel less alone in their experiences and find support, resources, and a sense of connection.
COMMUNITY SIG: The HGPS Community SIG was created in recognition that while therapists hold space for pain, transformation, and healing every day, we often have little time or structure to nourish our own lives. Many of us quietly struggle with burnout, feel over-identified with our professional role, or find ourselves disconnected from the joy and aliveness that first drew us to this work. This group provides a space to be human first—creative, curious, imperfect, and engaged with life outside of clinical settings.
Through community service, fellowship, and restorative gatherings, members can reconnect with themselves and each other. Activities include volunteering with local nonprofits, engaging in shared explorations of culture, travel, and language, and gathering for seasonal events that center play, art, nature, and simple connection. Whether through service projects, book clubs, hikes, or “off-the-clock” experiences, the Community SIG offers opportunities to explore identity beyond the clinician role.
The goal of the Community SIG is to cultivate meaningful spaces where members can give back to themselves, each other, and the broader community—restoring balance and vitality to both personal and professional life.
Contact Jia Wong LPC at Jia@gentlejourneywellness.com