Colorado Group Psychotherapy Society
A regional affiliate society of the American Group Psychotherapy Association
CONTACT for COGPS: Karen Drucker, Psy.D. (303 442 2561), and Elizabeth Olson, Psy.D.(303-545-9393), Co-Chairs.
PURPOSE: Dedicated to the highest ethical and professional standards in the practice of group psychotherapy, the Colorado Group Psychotherapy Society (COGPS) was formed to promote education, research, training, and the open exchange of ideas between mental health professionals on the practice of group psychotherapy. In addition, COGPS provides information on group psychotherapy to the general public.
Meetings are open to mental health professionals and students interested in the practice of group psychotherapy within Colorado.ABOUT COGPS: We hope that COGPS will grow to be the kind of organization that will gather Colorado group therapists and group leaders of all kinds (not just psychotherapists) under one tent so that we may:
- enhance our skills as group leaders by learning from, and presenting to each other in a variety of contexts;
- educate the community as to the benefits of group work;
- become a resource to the community (in the form of outreach services) where group work would be needed;
- provide a venue for professional networking; and,
- develop a statewide community of group leaders (as a subgroup of the national AGPA "community") that supports our work as individuals and as a group.
ABOUT AGPA: Web site: www.agpa.org. The American Group Psychotherapy Association is an international organization based in New York City devoted to the study of group therapy, research and training of group therapists. As described on the AGPA web site, "Our organization is an interdisciplinary community that has been enhancing practice, theory and research of group therapy since 1942. AGPA provides the support you are looking for to enhance your work as a mental healthcare professional or your life as a member of a therapeutic group."
Since September 11, 2001, the AGPA, for the first time in its history, offered their services and expertise on an outreach basis. That effort proved very successful in the hardest hit cities (Boston, New York, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles) and has since expanded into a nationwide project (including Colorado beginning in the Denver-metro area). Over three hundred groups were established, with many still running. Major funding has been provided by grants from the New York Times and Ted Turner.
AGPA's Publications: Publications include a monthly newsletter and quarterly journal; both are topnotch.
Annual Meeting: The next AGPA Annual Meeting will be held in San Diego, February 22-27, 2010. This meeting is always inspiring in so many ways (fun, too!). COGPS members along with topnotch group therapists from around the country and the world often present workshops. Scholarships for graduate students are available.