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Carolinas Group Psychotherapy Society

Life Is Lived in Groups!

Upcoming Events

    • Fri, September 26, 2025
    • 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
    • In-Person at 2007 Chapel Hill Rd Durham, NC 27707

    Fall Workshop Intensive

    Friday, September 26, 2025

    An Introduction to Systems Centered Training

    (for group and individual therapy)



    An In-Person event!

    at

    The Radical Healing Movement Studio,

    2007 Chapel Hill Road,

    Durham, NC 27707

    Click here for Google Pic and Google Map

    Click here for directions and parking information.


    Stay Tuned for Registration!


    Description

    In this one day experiential practicum, participants learn to use Systems Centered training's (SCT's) method of Functional Subgrouping to reduce psychological defenses and develop the group's capacity for solving problems and applying common sense to everyday conflicts.

    This training opportunity includes theory and experiential work based on Agazarian's (1997) Theory of Living Human Systems (TLHS). With its systems-centered approach to group practice, TLHS represents a developed and comprehensive systems theory applied to groups, individuals and couples.

    The TLHS and its methods are accepted among group practitioners as evidenced-based by SCTRI's 2010 recognition for "Outstanding Contributions in Education and Training in the Field of Group Psychotherapy," awarded by the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists. SCT methods are regularly cited or included in handbooks and reviews of group psychotherapy practice. There is also significant peer reviewed, published support for the theory and its practice, including articles in the International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Group Dynamics, Small Group Research, Organizational Analysis and Group Analysis.

    The Carolinas Group Psychotherapy Society (CGPS) invites therapists delivering or interested in group therapy services to experience our experiential training events. We are the Carolinas' affiliate of the American Group Therapy Association. CGPS is dedicated to the training, growth and development of group therapists. We come together as friends and fellow navigators of the human psyche. Join us to explore, expand and refresh your skill set in the preeminent professional home for group leaders. 

    Our Presenters

    Dr. Norma Safransky, MD

    Norma Safransky, MD, is a psychiatrist in private practice in Chapel Hill, NC since 1992. She is a licensed Systems Centered Practitioner who leads and co-leads SCT therapy groups and offers trainings in SCT at national SCT conferences.

    Heather Twomey is a clinical psychologist who has trained in Systems Centered Therapy steadily since 1996. She is a licensed SCT practitioner who leads and co-leads in various SCT contexts, including conferences, workshops and training groups. Additionally, she practices in private practice where she conducts groups, individual and couples therapy. She completed her Ph. D. in 1997 at Miami University. She completed her pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral internship at Emory University.

    Continuing Education Credit

    Continuing Education accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) will be provided through SCTRI (Systems Centered Training and Research Institute).

    We expect to offer about 5 or 5.5 hours of CE; the CE details are still being worked out. Stay tuned.

    Learning Objectives

    1. Identify the three sources of anxiety according to SCT theory.
    2. Demonstrate one behavior for joining others to form a functional subgroup. 
    3. Describe the difference between a stereotypical and a functional subgroup.


    tentative Workshop Schedule


    What to Expect at Our Workshops:

    Experiential Small Groups Explained

    What to Expect at a Workshop

    Registration Rates

    Registration Type  Fee  Note 
     Professional Non-Members $185.00  Includes Membership
    Professional Members of CGPS, AGPA or Affiliate  $110.00   
     Student Non-Members  $55.00  Includes Student/Discount Membership
     Student Members of CGPS,
    AGPA or Affiliates
     $90.00  

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