A Message from the Co-President

For me, connection is the essence of being human.

I also consider connection to be the essence of spirituality. Since ‘spirituality’ can be a loaded word, I feel the need to explain my use of it. As a minister, I have thought much about the Divine. I believe the Divine is experienced in the quality of our relationships, our connections. The healthier they are, the more they are the presence of the Divine between and among us.

 A well-run group is a spiritual experience for me, because skillfully led groups enhance the quality of connections between the participants. My experiential definition of a well-run group is one where it is safe to be vulnerable – it is safe to be your tender, true self.

I first became President of Carolinas Group Psychotherapy Society in 2023 because its values line up with my personal values. The quality of the connections made in our workshop groups allows our members to take risks, feel known, and incrementally become more whole.This is also the essence of being human, and so important to me.

It might surprise you to learn that I am not a Certified Group Psychotherapist. I am, however, pursuing that credential, because I want to lead high quality groups where it is safe to be vulnerable, where we can be our true selves and see ourselves through the eyes of others – with shame not taking charge. This safety frees people to choose to change what they wish to change. The group becomes a safe place to practice new skills until they are solid. Providing this safe container is what I expect of a solid group leader.

So, in the community of CGPS, we learn how to find tune our groups to be a safe place to be vulnerable and to grow as professionals. Our organization attracts liked-minded professionals who share similar values about the importance of connection, safety, and vulnerability. Related skills, for instance, compassion, patient listening, and respect, to name a few, flourish in our professional society.

If you like the idea of therapists supporting each other in living these values in life and work, please consider joining us. Volunteer with us, join a committee or our board, and have the full experience of this affirming community. I invite you to help us spread the power of groups.

Yours truly,

Brian P. Clougherty, M.A., M.Div. LCMHC, NCC

Co- President, CGPS

Durham, NC

“I have found it to be rare for people in professional spaces to get into these types of conversations about group, personal, and professional growth. This is the only conference where you are invited to bring your whole self to the group process. The ability to engage and talk about what you’re learning in the moment – what is coming up for you and how it relates to others…it’s fantastic.”

- Agustina Vidal | Student and Returning workshop Attendee

“What I love about CGPS is the sense of belonging to a community and the relationships that result.  i met by best friend, Caroline, through CPGS, and she and I attended together for years.  She has since passed away.  I expressed some grief around Caroline’s passing during small group, and the group leader’s response was a moment of grace for me.  The facilitator had an ability to hone in on the g group or individual interpretation in a really powerful way.  The workshop is a training environment but you can’t not bring yourself to the process  And so there’s this opportunity to stretch and grow.”

- Jae Brainard • LCSW Multi-Year workshop attendee