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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.